Suggest Treatment For Persistent Cough In Infant

Posted on Mon, 6 Jul 2015

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

Mon, 6 Jul 2015 Answered on

Wed, 22 Jul 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : the cough my 8 month old has.... can it be caused by all the smoke in the air outside due to all the fires in the lower mainland in XXXXXXX BC?

Answered by Dr. Archana Verma (51 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Cough can be due to allergic reaction to smoke or viral infection of airway

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to the HCM

I have gone through your question and understand your concerns. Cough at this age can be due to allergic tendency of your child to smoke or it may also be due to some viral infection. If he is running fever, then infections is placed ahead of allergies in the list of differential diagnosis.

For both the conditions, you need to give just symptomatic treatment and avoid smoke if possible by keeping him indoors or moving from the place for some days.

I prefer to give Syp. Chlorpheniramine or Benadryl for symptomatic relief of cough.

In case of any breathing problems, you may give Syp. Levosalbutamol or terbutaline after a proper chest examination by the paediatrician.

Hopefully this will help you. For further questions, I will be happy to help you out.
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Archana Verma (45 minutes later)

no fever just a cough and seems to be worse since the air advisory got put into effect

Answered by Dr. Archana Verma (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
More likely allergic cough

Detailed Answer:
It's more likely an allergic cough due to release of histamines in response to the smoke.
Just follow the treatment I advised, it will be useful. Don't worry.

If you have any further questions, I will be happy to help you. Else, you may rate the answers, write a review and close the discussion.

Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E