How Can Severe Cough In A Child Be Treated?

Posted on Sat, 12 Aug 2017

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

Sat, 12 Aug 2017 Answered on

Mon, 4 Sep 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : hello doctor,
my 6 months old son has developed sudden cough since yesterday. He was coughing whole nite. I'm not able to find out whether it's a dry cough or a wet cough. He's has slight running nose too. please suggest. Awaiting your reply.
Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Deepak Patel (-5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Upper respiratory tract infection

Detailed Answer:
Hi, welcome to HCM. Can understand your concerns.

Sudden cough in 6 months old baby can be due to upper respiratory tract infection.

If there is no fever and if the child is feeding well then it's not a matter of serious concern. You can start cough drops like T-minic drops or maxtra drops 0.5 ml three times a day for 3 days.

If there is fever or if the child is not feeding well then possibility of sepsis should be kept and antibiotic needs to be started.

An examination by doctor should be done so that we may not miss any important finding.

I hope this will help you.
Wishing your child good health.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Patel (1 hour later)

There is no fever and the baby is also feeding well doctor

Answered by Dr. Deepak Patel (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Continue cough drops

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome once again.

If there is no fever and child is feeding well then you should continue cough drops as advised earlier.

If no improvement in 24 hours then get child examined by a doctor.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Patel (27 hours later)

doctor my son's cough tends to get more after giving him maxtra drops what to do?

Answered by Dr. Deepak Patel (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Examination is necessary

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome once again.

If cough has increased than an examination should be done. Because sometimes symptoms are less but on examination signs are more.

Continue maxtra drops and kindly get child examined by a doctor.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D