Cough is a kind of protective reaction of the body, which is aimed at cleansing the respiratory tract from sputum or foreign organisms. Every adult should know how to treat a wet cough in a child, because thanks to a correctly selected technique, you will help the baby get rid of the disease as quickly as possible.

Causes of a wet cough in a child

I would immediately like to draw attention to the fact that a wet cough in a child is not a separate disease, it usually acts as a symptom of some disease. A large amount of mucus in the bronchi may indicate the following conditions:

  • pulmonary pneumonia;
  • allergy;
  • runny nose;
  • improper diet and drinking regimen;
  • lung abscess
  • tuberculosis;
  • acute bronchitis;
  • congenital diseases;
  • gastroesophageal reflux.

What diseases indicates

Almost always, the manifestation of a cough indicates the development of a disease.

  1. ARVI is one of the most common diseases, the symptom of which is just a wet cough. Other symptoms may include fever (up to 38 degrees), nasal congestion. If the disease is started, then it can affect the organs of the respiratory tract.
  2. Bronchitis is a disease of the respiratory system. Initially, perspiration appears, then a dry cough, which turns into a wet one. During coughing, greenish mucus is secreted, which indicates the presence of infection.
  3. Tuberculosis - the lungs are affected. As a rule, a prolonged lingering cough is observed.If the disease is started, then there may be small lumps of blood in the sputum.
  4. Pertussis - a disease caused by bacteria Borde-Zhangu. The cough is spasmodic.
  5. Bronchial asthma - a cough is severe, there may be shortness of breath and wheezing.
  6. Violation of the small circle of blood supply. In severe forms, sputum excreted may be contaminated with blood. Unhealthy cough is characteristic of heart diseases that cause coughing attacks. In addition to it, other symptoms can be observed - coughing in a prone position (most often at night), pain in the chest area, headaches, venous congestion on the neck.

How to treat a strong and residual cough

Sputum discharge in children is always difficult. This is because the muscles of the respiratory system are poorly developed, and the mucus is more concentrated than in adults. Stagnation of sputum should not be allowed in any case, since bacteria begin to accumulate in it, which, in turn, contribute to various complications and can translate the disease into a chronic form. Treating a wet cough in children requires an immediate response.

Medications

Before you start taking any medications, you need to consult a specialist. Only after a thorough examination and analysis, the doctor prescribes medication. During therapy, the following drugs may be prescribed:

  1. Mucolytics - they provide liquefaction and elimination of sputum. As a rule, they are prescribed if there is thick, difficult to separate mucus during coughing attacks. These funds can be prescribed for the treatment of cough with bronchitis, pneumonia, tracheitis and laryngotracheitis. Among the most common drugs are ACC, Rinofluimucil, Ascoril, Bromhexine, Erespal, Fluimucil, Lazolvan, Ambrobene, Fluditec.
  2. Expectorant drugs - with their help sputum is removed from the upper respiratory tract. They help to thin the mucus and improve the functioning of the ciliated epithelium - dry baby medicine, Solutan, Herbion with primrose, Gedelix, Licorice root, Mukaltin, Breast collection, Pertussin, Dr. IOM.

Please note that expectorant preparations can be either of plant or synthetic origin. With extreme caution, it is necessary to treat the means of the first group, since they can cause allergic reactions.

In no case do not take antitussive drugs when treating a wet cough. They are aimed at suppressing the withdrawal of mucus, as a result of which all sputum accumulates in the bronchi.

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine will be an excellent complement in the treatment of wet cough.

  1. Marshmallow root - sold in a pharmacy, it can be purchased separately and independently prepare your own infusions and decoctions. Many pharmacy wet cough syrups for children just include this ingredient in the component content. To prepare an independent infusion, take one marshmallow root and chop it. Pour boiling water and insist for about 30 minutes. Strain and take in accordance with the dosage indicated on the package.
  2. Turnip - used in combination with honey and milk. Grind the root crop and combine it with the remaining ingredients. It is necessary to take a drink in a warm form.
  3. Horseradish - grate the product on a fine grater, fill it with boiled water and leave for 4 hours. In ½ tbsp. milk, add a teaspoon of this infusion and a little honey.
  4. Cabbage drink - from the leaves of a fresh vegetable, squeeze the juice, with a total volume of ½ cup. Add ½ tsp. honey and sugar. To stir thoroughly. Drink the child 3-4 times a day for ¼ cup.
  5. Gruel from figs - grind 50 g of fresh or dried fruit. Add some honey and 3 tbsp. l milk. Drink no more than 4 times a day for 2 tsp.
  6. Currants - grind 3 tablespoons of blackcurrant berries and 2 teaspoons of sugar. Add a glass of warm water, mix everything thoroughly. Drink ½ cup twice a day.
  7. Cabbage leaves are another good tool that has not been tested by any generation - a cabbage leaf with honey, which is applied in the form of a compress on the back. The duration of the procedure is 15 minutes.

With the help of folk remedies, you can get rid of residual cough, which often also brings a lot of discomfort. In addition, they can be used in the initial stages of the disease. If complications appear, then the basis of treatment should be drugs. Be prepared for the fact that treatment with alternative methods will require more time than with medicines.

Inhalation

If the child coughs heavily, then you can resort to inhalation. The advantage of this method is that during the procedure, drugs are delivered directly to the site of inflammation. The child inhales a pair of drugs, their rapid distribution helps to cover the entire bronchial tree. Drugs begin to act immediately, which leads to a quick effect, even with prolonged cough. The advantage of inhalation:

  • contribute to the elimination of sputum;
  • accelerate the healing process;
  • contribute to accelerating the therapeutic effects of the drug;
  • increase the amount of mucus being separated;
  • do not allow the disease to become chronic;
  • contribute to the conversion of dry cough to wet.

Children are allowed to carry out inhalation even in infancy. This is one of the safest and most productive methods for treating wet cough. In what cases are inhalations contraindicated:

  • body temperature above 37.5 degrees;
  • regular nosebleeds;
  • problems with the cardiovascular system;
  • purulent blotches in the sputum.

To make an inhalation for a child, it is better to use a device called a nebulizer.

Possible consequences

The mucus that accumulates in the bronchi is an excellent medium for the propagation of pathogenic bacteria, as a result - a prolonged SARS, with bacterial microflora joining. One of the most serious consequences is bronchitis and pneumonia. Other complications include:

  • hemorrhages in the eyes;
  • fainting conditions;
  • cough with bowel movement;
  • vomiting
  • loss of appetite;
  • insomnia.

Prevention

Elementary recommendations will allow you to avoid the development of such an ailment as a wet cough:

  1. Drink as much water as possible. The latter promotes liquefaction and elimination of sputum.
  2. Do not forget about the regular ventilation of the room.
  3. Do wet cleaning more often.
  4. Get rid of such a bad habit as smoking.
  5. Minimize spicy and spicy foods.
  6. Do X-rays every 12 months, Mantoux for children.

If you still began to develop a wet cough, immediately contact a specialist who will prescribe treatment and help to avoid serious consequences.

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