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What Medications Effectively Treat A Dry Cough?

Posted on Mon, 17 Sep 2018

Question: My one and half year old son had fever and fever is gone now (after having Crocin cyrup for 3 days). He is currently having dry cough and due to that he gets up at night. What syrup can you suggest for him?

Answered by Dr. Vaishalee Punj (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:

Kindly send details of symptoms

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

A dry cough after the flu usually gets better in a few days by itself. No specific medication is necessary.

If there is difficulty in breathing then syrup Asthalin can be given 2 times a day.

If the difficulty of breathing is there for a long time then an inhaler will be needed.

Steam inhalation will definitely help but is to be given with precaution not to burn the skin.

If its a hypersensitivity or asthma type of a cough then treatment is needed.

So kindly let me know his symptoms in detail. Does he have any difficulty in breathing during the cough episode?

How many cough episodes during the 24 hrs? Is there absolutely no mucus production? Since how long are the symptoms present? Any other symptoms?

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Vaishalee Punj (1 hour later)

Thanks, Doc. He does not have difficulty in breathing. During the day, I don't see him coughing much. As you said, it will probably go in few days. I was little worried since he was getting up 4-5 times in the night due to coughing and was not getting proper sleep. Ok, will wait for couple more days to see if it improves by itself. Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Vaishalee Punj (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:

Ok, can wait and watch.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

It's good that the baby does not have difficulty breathing. We can safely wait and watch.

In case the sleepless nights are troublesome then some cough suppressants available that will suppress a cough and also sedate the baby for the night.

One such is a combination of chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan (many brands are available like Aerodil-dx or CHERICOF COUGH FORMULA syrup, Cheritop, etc).

It can be given before sleeping, keeping the dose on the lower side.

Hope I have answered your query.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Vaishalee Punj, General & Family Physician

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar