Question

Detailed illness and consultation purpose: My baby has been coughing for over a month, and the expectorant and cough-suppressing medicine has not worked. She has been coughing for two months already. What should I do?

Answer

Hello: Coughing is a reaction of the throat, respiratory tract, and lungs to irritation. Coughs in babies under 6 months old can be quite serious and should be seen by a doctor immediately. If a child suddenly develops a choking cough, it may be due to the child inhaling food into the lungs or other foreign objects (such as small toys) into the respiratory tract. If you notice your child coughing with abnormal breathing, take them to see a doctor immediately. In severe cases, take them to the hospital’s emergency department.

  1. Symptoms: Baby’s cough (for babies under 6 months old). Possible: Bronchitis. Treatment: It’s best to go to the hospital immediately. In addition to antibiotic treatment, it may be necessary to use oxygen to help the baby breathe.
  2. Symptoms: Nighttime coughing is more severe than daytime coughing, and it is paroxysmal, with dozens of coughs in a row without intervals. Sometimes, the child may cough until they can’t breathe. When the coughing stops, a special echo is produced, like whistling. It may also cause vomiting, with or without fever. Possible: Whooping Cough, which typically takes over two months to heal. Treatment: See a doctor. After diagnosis of whooping cough, antibiotics will be used to improve the condition and prevent bacterial infection. Whooping cough is one of the common childhood infectious diseases. There is no specific treatment drug. Do not use cough suppressants to force the baby to stop coughing. After vomiting, give your child some easily digestible food at any time. Pay attention to keeping the indoor air fresh and warm, and avoid smoke and dust irritation.