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Is Severe Cough A Sign Of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection?
Question: Hi there, I have a friend in Indonesia whose daughter (aged 4 months), has had a cough for about 5 days and who has lost her voice. My friend was told that her daughter has a raised white blood cell count and that they were worried her daughter might have a blood abnormality but that they would check again in 2 days. My question is what questions we should be asking the doctor as the trust levels in that country are not particularly high. I'd thought that first off white blood cell counts become raised because of infection?
Brief Answer:
Following suggestions
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I am sorry for the health situation your friend's baby is in.
Having a cough is a sign of upper respiratory tract infection, most probably virus. If she is also having high fever, then might be complicated with bacterial infection.
It is normal to get high count of white blood cells in cases of infection or sometimes, in cases of allergic reactions (to drugs used or infective agent).
Now, a deep physical examination is needed to evaluate her current situation of :
- lungs (bronchitis or pneumonia )
- ears
- throat
- urinary tract (if UTI is present)
Cough medications are needed to dissolve mucus if present (e.g. carbocystein ) and to relieve spasms (antihystaminic ). Aerosol therapy is also helpful together with ventolin to open up her respiratory pathways.
If high fever is present or bacterial infection is suspected, although her young age, antibiotics should be administered.
Close monitoring by pediatrician pulmonologist is highly recommended. Can repeat blood work together with:
- urine analysis
- abdominal ultrasound
- culture of throat swab
Wish fast recovery!
Dr.Albana
Following suggestions
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I am sorry for the health situation your friend's baby is in.
Having a cough is a sign of upper respiratory tract infection, most probably virus. If she is also having high fever, then might be complicated with bacterial infection.
It is normal to get high count of white blood cells in cases of infection or sometimes, in cases of allergic reactions (to drugs used or infective agent).
Now, a deep physical examination is needed to evaluate her current situation of :
- lungs (bronchitis or pneumonia )
- ears
- throat
- urinary tract (if UTI is present)
Cough medications are needed to dissolve mucus if present (e.g. carbocystein ) and to relieve spasms (antihystaminic ). Aerosol therapy is also helpful together with ventolin to open up her respiratory pathways.
If high fever is present or bacterial infection is suspected, although her young age, antibiotics should be administered.
Close monitoring by pediatrician pulmonologist is highly recommended. Can repeat blood work together with:
- urine analysis
- abdominal ultrasound
- culture of throat swab
Wish fast recovery!
Dr.Albana
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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