Question
What are the common causes of persistent cough in children?
Answer
Cough is not a disease in itself but a defensive reaction to clear foreign bodies from the respiratory tract. Mild coughing is generally harmless and can be treated by addressing the underlying cause, without necessarily resorting to cough suppressants. However, severe coughing can cause discomfort, and in such cases, cough suppressants may be considered. Causes of coughing can be numerous, including acute and chronic respiratory inflammation, foreign bodies in the respiratory tract, compression of the airways, allergic reactions, and irritation of the pleura. When treating coughs, it is crucial to analyze the condition comprehensively, identify the cause, and then select an appropriate cough suppressant for symptomatic treatment. Medications that can be used include children’s cough syrup and Chuan Bei Qing Fei syrup, among others.