What Causes Persistent And Progressive Dry Cough And Fever In A Child?

Posted on Sun, 7 Feb 2016

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

Sun, 7 Feb 2016 Answered on

Wed, 6 Apr 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : My daughter 4 years 4 months old was having dry cough at night. The cough was frequent and 2 days later she started getting fever around 100 to 101 degrees. Doctor checked and said her lung is free, prescribed erithromycin and P250 for fever. But her cough has increased and she gets the continuos cough only at nights. We took her for review and doc has given Ambrolite S. She just had one dosage but tonight she s again having coughing. She also make huge noise while breathing as if she s snoring. Pl help

Answered by Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Consider these investigation to rule out chest infection

Detailed Answer:
Hello Mr XXXX,
I really appreciate your concern for your daughter,
Looking at your description, I would advise you for battry of tests like blood for CBC, CRP, ESR and chest X Ray if need be.

Cough and fever may be caused by infection (either bacterial or viral).

Here, I would like further information for better assessment like
if she has running nose,
how's her appetite?

erythromycin and ambrolite S will definitely help her but it takes time.
Since she has developed noisy breathing so I would advise you to see a paediatrician for physical examination and above mentioned investigation to rule out chest infection.

Encourge her to take regular meal, avoid cold drinks, ice cream
you can give her honey mixed with few drops of ginger juice.

Hope this answers your question, please feel free to discuss further, I will be happy to help you
Best wishes

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (3 hours later)

Thank you so much sir. She do not have running nose and her appetite is normal. She had loose tools yesterday but only once. She s getting hungry and active too.

Answered by Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
continue with erythromycin and ambrolite as your doctor advised

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome again and thanks for all the details.
Since she is active and taking feed regularly, need not to worry much
Continue with ambrolite and erythromycin as your doctor advised.
Loose stool might be related to erythromycin, give her pelnty of fluids like fruit juices and ORS.

Hope this answers your question, please feel free to ask for further clarification, I will be happy to help you
Best wishes

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. Vaishalee Punj