What Does Persistent Cough In A Child Indicate?

Brief Answer:
A possible diagnosis can be made on basis of history and serum IgE level

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Welcome to HCM

I can understand your concern.Respiratory problems are very common in this age.Most of the time it is the viral infection which precipitates the illness.
Differentiation can be made between the viral respiratory illness or allergic/early asthma(also known as hyperreactive airway disease)episodes with help of history and blood test like serum immunoglobulin E(IgE) level.
If respiratory illnesses are associated with fever each time it is due to viral infection,while allergic episodes may or may not be associated with fever.
I would like to know if there is history of skin rashes(on and off)as this also goes in favor of allergy.
Similarly presence of family history of allergy(skin or respiratory)also goes in favor of allergy.Also if child gets relieved with antiallergic/steroids)montair LC and budecort),it suggests that it is due to allergy.All these suggest that there is high likelihood of ashtma in future.
Raised serum IgE level and eosinophils also give clue to the diagnosis of allergic nature of disease.
Avoidance of allergens like dust,mites,smoke,cow milk,nuts may help in prevention of exacerbation.

I hope this helps.
I shall be glad to answer if you have any more doubts.
Wishing for your baby's good health.
Regards

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Brief Answer:
May be needed depending on frequency of symptoms

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for follow up

The severity of asthma can be categorized depending on the frequency of symptoms and whether disease is controlled with the prescribed medication(particular for that category)or not.
Budecort(a steroid) and montair LC(antiallergic) are prescribed for 'mild intermittent' category of asthma.If child remains symptomatic even after receiving these medications it recategorized as 'Mild persistent' asthma and medications need to be upgraded to long acting bronchodilator and steroid combination(Budamate).
If disease is well controlled and child is asymptomatic on current medication I don't think that it need to be upgraded.
Budanase spray is steroid spray and is used in allergic rhinitis(recurrent nasal blockade/discharge and sneezing).
I would like to know if she is suffering from any symptoms suggestive of allergic rhinitis or if the symptoms occur even on current medications.

Regards

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