Child Having Cough. No Breathing Trouble Or Fever. Given Bicarex Expectorant. Any Suggestion?

Posted on Mon, 31 Dec 2012

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 31 Dec 2012 Answered on

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : My child is 4 years old and is suffering from weight cough. I think there is sputum too with cough, but as she is unable to put it out, she swallows it. The cough is there throughout the days and the cough bouts occur 4-5 times a day (no particualr timing - but definitely in morning/noon and night). Giving Bicarex expectorant 4 ml - thrice a day, but not much improvement. No breathing trouble,no fever, no running nose. Some suggestions will be of real help. Her paeditrician is out of town and will be back this Friday, so need some help.

Answered by Dr. Arun (-5 hours later)

Dear XXXXXXX,

Thanks for writing to healthcare magic.

From what you describe probably your kid has allergic cough. Because she doesn't have fever or breathing trouble, chest infection is less likely.

You can try broncholdilators and mucolytics like salbutamol or terbutaline with guaiphenesin, for which your child needs to be evaluated by a pediatrician or a general practitioner. A prescription for the medication can be obtained from them.

Wishing your daughter a speedy recovery

Dr Arun

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Mohammed Kappan