HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

How Can Dry Cough In A Child Be Treated?

Posted on Fri, 19 May 2017

Question: My son is 7.5 years old and having dry cough from last 3~4 days. We have given him home remedies like honey + ginger but there is no relief.
Please suggest some medication.

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (46 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Steam inhalation is the mainstay of treatment.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

I have gone carefully through the details and understand your concern. Most often such symptoms are due to viral infections and antibiotics are ineffective in such cases. Irrespective of treatment it usually spontaneously resolves in 5-7 days.

You need to give steam inhalation to your child. It helps in reducing the congestion. The water vapor will be in the air and automatically the child will breathe it in. Water vapor will reach deep inside and would help in diluting the cough and thus would provide relief. Use Nasoclear Saline Nasal Drops in case of nose block.

It is advisable to give some antiallergic like cetirizine once daily for next few days.

Please be patient. It may take a few days for the recovery to occur. It should spontaneously resolve in 5-7 days.

Hopefully that would help. Feel free to write back in case of further queries.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Diptanshu Das (20 minutes later)

Dear Dr. XXXXXXX

Thank you very much for your reply.

However, please note that my son has dry cough and there is no any congestion as such.

Please advise the course of action.

Regards

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Steam inhalation is the mainstay of treatment.

Detailed Answer:
Yes, steam inhalation would be the most helpful in such a situation. Please follow the advice I have provided and I am sure that the condition would improve. However, you need to understand that it will take a certain time for the recovery to occur.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Diptanshu Das (1 hour later)

Thank you Dr. XXXXXXX

Regards

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Glad to be of service

Detailed Answer:
Feel free to ask me back if you have any health related queries in the future. I would be there to assist you.

Regards

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. Arnab Banerjee