Chronic Cough in Children

Cough is one of the most common symptoms experienced by people all over the world. It is the immune system's first reaction when any foreign particle enters the respiratory tract. Cough is the prominent symptom of all respiratory disorders. Cough can be of varying types like hacking cough, mucus producing cough or a dry cough, depending on the cause. Cough due to common cold or sore throat lasts for a couple of days and subsides on its own. However, in some cases, cough can turn chronic, i.e. it lasts for a longer period of time. So, what are the causes of chronic or long-lasting cough in children? Let us take a look.

Causes of Chronic Cough

In most of the cases, cough that lasts for a longer period of time is caused due to post nasal drip. The excess mucus produced in the nasal passages can cause irritation in the throat leading to persistent cough. Apart from these, the following are the other reasons for chronic cough in infants and children.

Asthma
Asthma is one of the most common disorders of the airways leading to chronic cough. The symptoms of it include wheezing, constant coughing, breathlessness, etc. The condition triggers off due to cold and dry air, air pollution and strong odors.

Respiratory Infection
Respiratory infections like bronchitis and pneumonia can lead to constant coughing in children. If the viral and bacterial infection lingers for a longer period of time, children suffer from chest congestion and cough.

Acid Reflux Disease
Acid reflux disease, or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), is one of the causes of coughing after eating. It is a condition when the acid in the stomach seeps back in the esophagus and back in the throat. The constant irritation in the throat gives rise to constant cough.

Allergies
Cough is also one of the symptoms of an allergy. Children have a weak immune system and hence, are sensitive to allergies. Food allergies, allergies caused due to air borne allergens cause cough and sore throat.

Apart from the above mentioned ones, chronic bronchitis, tuberculosis, etc. are the other reasons for frequent cough in children. Parents and guardians should consult the doctor immediately if they observe chronic and long-lasting cough that does not go away for several days or weeks. Let us take a look at the treatment methods of cough.

Treating Chronic Cough

The doctor advises physical examination, X-ray and other tests in order to diagnose the condition. So, how to get rid of cough? There are several methods and remedies that help in treating cough. You can go for different cough suppressant medications that help in getting rid of cough. Although there is no cure for asthma, there are several medications and sprays that help in alleviating the symptoms of it. Acid reflux disease can be treated with the help of medications like antacids and H2 blockers. Bronchitis and pneumonia can also be treated with medications. In order to get rid of allergies, it is advisable to identify the factors causing it and stay away from it.

Apart from the aforementioned treatment methods, there are several home remedies to treat cough. Including honey in the diet helps in the treatment and prevention of cough. One can have a glass of warm water with 1 teaspoon honey and 1 teaspoon lemon. Secondly, having warm milk with a pinch of turmeric everyday helps in treating chronic cough in children at night. Lastly, it is advisable to include vitamin C rich foods like lemon, oranges, lime, etc. in the diet to enhance the immune system, treat dry cough and keep infectious diseases at bay.

Lastly, one should remember not to ignore persistent cough in children, but get it treated as soon as possible. Take care!