How to cure cough in children and prevent complications

Of course, the most common causes of cough in children - an acute respiratory infection, bronchitis or pneumonia. But in recent years, allergic lesions of the respiratory system have spread , especially against a background of chronic viral infection (the so-called Epstein-Barr virus). These conditions give a prolonged, debilitating, spastic cough that easily grows into pneumonia. In short, in order to know how to cure cough in children, it is necessary to correctly establish the diagnosis that it is impossible to do independently (without the participation of doctors). For example, despite the prevalence of banal bronchitis, do not forget about childhood infections (eg, whooping cough). By the way, and tuberculosis occurs in childhood often.

General principles of cough treatment in children

Nevertheless, there are common approaches to the therapy of this ailment:

- peace, comfortable posture, warmth and fresh air (without draft);

- abundant warmth and nutrition;

- the use of expectorants (especially based on natural plant components).

It is not recommended to use antitussive medications, because coughing in children can not be cured simply by stopping it. Cough is a protective reaction, thanks to which sputum and mucus, bacteria and toxins are released from the respiratory tract. If we just stop him, then the whole "cocktail" will remain in the baby's lungs. Therefore, preference should be given to expectorant and mucolytic (diluting) remedies, which ensure a quick and easy excretion of sputum. The drug "Doctor Mom" (in the form of ointments, lozenges or syrup) works very well for children of any age, it is effective and easy to use. With a dry dry cough, the "Kodelak fito" remedy, which also actively dilutes sputum, will help.

How to cure a baby cough? This is a rather difficult task. First, newborns are categorically contraindicated in inhalation because of the increased risk of respiratory spasm. Due to the constant horizontal position, the infection along with the sputum easily spreads through the bronchi and stagnates, causing, in the end, pneumonia. Self-medication cough is contraindicated, and even in infants is simply prohibited. In any case, provide the kid peace, copious drink, fresh air (but not draft).

New technologies. Nebulizers

Recently, a very effective alternative to inhalation has appeared - so-called nebulizers. These are devices that turn liquid medicinal substances into the smallest air suspension. Their main advantages: the targeted delivery of the pharmaceutical to the lesion, which provides a very fast therapeutic effect, there are no risks of burns and mucous membrane damage (typical for steam and oil inhalers), there is no need to synchronize the pressure on the dispenser with breathing, so nebulizers are very easy to use even for newborns. Also, this method of treatment allows for more accurate dosing of drugs. But the nebulizer itself does not heal itself, what and how to cure cough in children with it, that is, to choose the medications and their doses, the pediatrician must.

Phytotherapy

If you want to risk and cure a child coughing with folk remedies, then use inhalations (but only if the baby does not have temperature). Pour boiling water 2-3 spoons of crushed leaves of mother-and-stepmother, add 2 teaspoons of soda or 1-2 drops of eucalyptus oil. You can make and home remedy - very finely chop the onion, mix with two tablespoons of sugar or honey, leave to stand for a day. Form the juice drink on a teaspoon 3-4 times a day. But remember that folk medicine will never prevail against infection and tuberculosis, do not risk the life of your child, seek help from a pediatrician.

One should not only know how to cure cough in children, but also be able to prevent complications associated with it. Therefore, pay attention to the development in the child of the symptoms of respiratory failure: pallor or cyanosis of the nasolabial triangle, dyspnea, the entrainment of intercostal spaces on inspiration. If they have appeared, immediately call for an ambulance!