Question
After breastfeeding, the child will have a dry cough but nothing is vomited. This situation has occurred for several days recently. How was the previous treatment and what kind of assistance is needed?
Answer
Dry cough may be a precursor to milk reflux, possibly due to physiological milk reflux. Infants’ esophageal function is not fully developed, and if they are severe ly active or cough after feeding, it may lead to dry cough. Do not overfeed during each feeding, and after breastfeeding, hold the child up and gently pat their back to expel the inhaled air. When picking up and putting down the child after feeding, be gentle with movements and minimize the range of motion. Pay attention to have the child sleep on their side during naps. When the child has a dry cough, quickly lower their head to allow them to spit out, preventing aspiration into the respiratory tract that could cause aspiration pneumonia or even difficulty breathing. This usually improves spontaneously after 4-6 months.