Question

A one-and-a-half-year-old male child has occasionally experienced dry cough symptoms since he was three months old. Although it does not affect his eating and play, the parents have sought medical advice but have not received a clear answer, so they are seeking online professional advice.

Answer

Infants’ dry cough can be caused by various reasons, and appropriate treatment measures should be taken based on the specific cause. Common causes include:

  1. Excessive dryness in the environment, leading to discomfort in the infant’s throat, which can be improved by using a humidifier.
  2. Early signs of respiratory infection, often accompanied by pharyngeal congestion and dry cough, which can be treated with regional nasal and oral treatment using ribavirin spray.
  3. Dyspepsia, which may be accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting and loose yellow stools, can be treated with oral multi-enzyme tablets and Lactobacillus acidophilus powder for digestive aid.
  4. Gastroesophageal reflux, where stomach acid reflux stimulates the throat causing dry cough; an abdominal ultrasound examination may be necessary for an accurate diagnosis.