Question
The baby started coughing at 40 days old and, despite taking medication, there was no improvement. After five days of intravenous fluid therapy, the inflammation was resolved, but it triggered dysbiosis. Now the baby is coughing again, and the parents are worried that further intravenous treatment might be harmful to such a young child. They are asking for alternative treatment options.
Answer
Coughing is not a standalone disease but a defensive response to clear foreign objects from the respiratory tract. Mild coughing is harmless to the body and can be treated by addressing the underlying cause, without necessarily using cough suppressants. However, severe coughing can cause discomfort to patients, and in such cases, cough suppressants may be considered. There are many causes of coughing, including acute or chronic inflammation of the respiratory tract, foreign objects in the respiratory tract, pressure, allergic reactions, and stimulation of the pleura. Therefore, when treating coughs, it is important to comprehensively analyze the condition, identify the cause, and treat accordingly. Medications for treating coughs are mainly categorized into cough suppressants, expectorants, and bronchodilators. Cough suppressants such as codeine, morphine, and cough syrup are effective in clearing excessive phlegm and thick mucus from the respiratory tract. Expectorants like myrtol oil, sodium chloride, and Mucosolvan help in clearing mucus from the respiratory tract. Bronchodilators like ephedrine and Ventolin help to relax the bronchial smooth muscles, facilitating the expulsion of phlegm. However, when selecting medications, it is important to prioritize those with minimal side effects and those that are safe and reliable for children.