Question
My two-year-old child has been coughing occasionally for the past two weeks, especially after waking up with sounds of mucus in the throat, but without a fever. What could be the cause if the lungs appear normal during a pediatrician’s examination? Could the use of electric heaters at night be a factor? The child does not like to eat, sometimes eating quickly when hungry and at other times refusing to eat even when encouraged, showing signs of disgust when food is presented. What could be the cause? How can the cause be diagnosed and treated? Thank you!
Answer
A cough is a defensive response to clear foreign objects from the respiratory tract. A mild cough is harmless and can be treated based on its cause, without the need for cough suppressants. However, if the cough is severe, cough suppressants may be considered. The causes of coughing are numerous, including acute or chronic respiratory tract inflammation, foreign objects in the respiratory tract, respiratory tract compression, allergic reactions, and pleural stimulation. The medications used to treat coughing are mainly divided into three categories: cough suppressants, expectorants, and bronchodilators. Cough suppressants include codeine, morphine, and Dried Ginger Extract, which are effective for dry coughs caused by mild respiratory tract inflammation and should be used under medical supervision for certain anesthetics. Expectorants such as Menthol Oil and Ammonium Chloride are effective for clearing thick mucus and sticky sputum. Bronchodilators such as Ephedrine and Salbutamol are suitable for bronchospasm caused by allergies or inflammation. When choosing medications, it is important to select drugs with minimal side effects and high safety for children.