Suggest Treatment For Severe Cough In A Child

Posted on Mon, 12 Oct 2015

Question: Hello Doctor,

My son is 6months old and he is suffering in cold for the past 1 month. Initially our doctor suggested with Mucolite, Sinarest, Kufril drops and we continued for a week and he got recovered to some extent. Suddenly, the cold seems to be high for the past 5days with severe cough. In addtion, we gave taximo/betnesol for 3days and it ends today. Still he is suffering in severe cough, Is there any suggestion? Also i am scared to continue betnesol.. Can you please suggest to reduce the cough?

Answered by Dr. Archana Verma (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Avoid Betnesol for cough

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to the HCM

I completely understand your concerns but don't worry. It seems that your child has been suffering from a viral infection or allergic episode leading to such severe cough with out fever.

I would strongly recommend you to avoid betnesol for future use as it's a strong steroid which can affect his overall health if given for a long time.

Infants are prone to coughs due to small airways, developing immature immunity and allergic tendency. One of the most common reason for such complaints is bronchiolitis. Also, in some cases pneumonia can give such presentation.
I see such cases routinely in my clinical practice and recommend the following measures:

1. A chest X Ray to rule out any persistent pneumonia, or other congenital anomaly leading to persistent coughs.
2. Start with Tixylix baby syrup. The main ingredient glycerol has a soothing effect on the throat and also helps to reduce irritation which leads to coughing. It's a much safer alternative to other syrups you used earlier.
3. If the cough seems to associated with wheeze or chest congestion, then give Syp. Levolin or start levolin nebulization 3-4 times daily for next 5 days.
4. Always check for any signs of severe respiratory distress I.e. fast breath or use of accessory muscles of breathing ( nasal flaring, chest in drawing), cyanosis. If you find the child doesn't look comfortable at all, then immediately approach pediatric hospital for necessary clinical examination and inpatient care if required.

Also, use room humidifier while sleeping if the weather is dry and cold. Vapor rubs can be applied at sleep time. Regular feeding and fluids to maintain hydration is useful.

Hopefully this will help you. You may upload his reports and chest X Ray for my reference.

Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Archana Verma (43 hours later)

Thanks Doctor for detailed response..

Our pediatrician examined it to be URI (i think upper respiratory tract) so we didn't take chest x ray.
I have stopped all medicine after 5 days course. The cold seems to be reduced 40%. Still he has running nose and cough at times. Do we need consult doctor again or wait for a week?

Also, I feel the mucus still exist so he cough at times. Not sure about its removal through motion (I dont see any signs).

Can we give home medicines like country borage etc?

Answered by Dr. Archana Verma (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Wait and watch

Detailed Answer:
Hi
I would recommend you to wait and watch. Most coughs are viral in origin and improve without any specific medication. In case, running nose and cough is bothering him a lot then you may give Syp. Maxtra or T minic.

Ensure good nutrition and plenty of fluids. Use room humidifier while sleeping if the weather is dry. Vapor rubs can be applied. I am not in favour of country borage as I have not used it in any of my patients and the components are not researched well in infants.

Hopefully this will help you.
Take care

Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj