Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Cough After Swimming, Asthmatic, Allergic, Sporadic Cough, Runny Nose. Result Of?
Hi, I would like to know why both my 6 year old and 8 year old sons develop coughs after swimming. My 6 year old is an asthmatic and has quite a few allergies - as inherited from my husband. My 8 year old also develops sporadic coughs (maybe once or every second month) with a slight runny nose . The doctor then prescribes an antibiotic . But lately whenever they go swimming, both develop a cough after.
Mon, 31 Dec 2012
Hi Jacobs,
Thanks for writing your query.
Your children are suffering from allergic bronchitis/asthma. Due to exertion during swimming, bronchoconstriction i.e. narrowing of air passage/bronchioles occurs resulting in reflex in the form of cough.
Antibiotic donot play a role unless there is added infection.
In bronchial asthma or in bronchitis, bronchodilators are needed as they dilates the constricted air passage and gives relief in cough.
Bronchodilators can be given in the form of rotacaps or inhaler as this route is safer and more effective.
Antiallergy medicines like levocetrizine can be given to decrease the allergic reaction.
Get them examined by a Paeditrician and give medicines under medical supervision only.
I hope this is helpful to you.
Thanks.
Thanks for writing your query.
Your children are suffering from allergic bronchitis/asthma. Due to exertion during swimming, bronchoconstriction i.e. narrowing of air passage/bronchioles occurs resulting in reflex in the form of cough.
Antibiotic donot play a role unless there is added infection.
In bronchial asthma or in bronchitis, bronchodilators are needed as they dilates the constricted air passage and gives relief in cough.
Bronchodilators can be given in the form of rotacaps or inhaler as this route is safer and more effective.
Antiallergy medicines like levocetrizine can be given to decrease the allergic reaction.
Get them examined by a Paeditrician and give medicines under medical supervision only.
I hope this is helpful to you.
Thanks.
I find this answer helpful
Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.
The possibilities for developing recurrent coughs in your children after swimming could be:
- an allergic cause, like an allergic rhinitis
- bronchial asthma
You have mentioned that one of your children has been diagnosed to have asthma, so this could be a very likely cause. Exposure to the cold water could be a triggering factor precipitating spasm of the airways, and resulting in the respiratory problems. This diagnosis can be confirmed by doing a test called peak flowmetry. If this is the case, then they may need appropriate anti-asthma treatment to prevent these episodes of cough.
Wish you all the best.
Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
The possibilities for developing recurrent coughs in your children after swimming could be:
- an allergic cause, like an allergic rhinitis
- bronchial asthma
You have mentioned that one of your children has been diagnosed to have asthma, so this could be a very likely cause. Exposure to the cold water could be a triggering factor precipitating spasm of the airways, and resulting in the respiratory problems. This diagnosis can be confirmed by doing a test called peak flowmetry. If this is the case, then they may need appropriate anti-asthma treatment to prevent these episodes of cough.
Wish you all the best.
Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Factor precipitating spasm
Loading Online Doctors....