All children face a dry cough, because it is a common symptom of colds and SARS, as well as other diseases that often occur in childhood. There are many medicines to help relieve this type of cough.
How do you know if your cough is dry?
Such a cough is not accompanied by sputum production, so it is harsh and rather painful for a child. The kid often coughs many times in a row and cannot clear his throat. Such attacks irritate the mucous membrane even more, which leads to a worsening of the condition.
Indications for use
Prescription of drugs that help with dry cough is indicated for:
- Tracheitis.
- Pharyngitis.
- Bronchitis (acute, chronic).
- Laryngitis.
- Flu.
- Pneumonia.
- Bronchial asthma.
- Obstructive pulmonary disease.
- Cystic fibrosis.
- Pulmonary tuberculosis.
- Pleurisy.
Contraindications and adverse reactions
Potions prescribed for dry cough should not be taken when:
- Individual intolerance to their components.
- Acute kidney disease.
- Liver disease.
In addition, it is important to take into account the age restrictions for each individual drug, because some potions can be given to infants, but there are many drugs used over the age of 2-3 years.
If a child has diabetes, additional attention should be paid to the sugar content in the preparation.
Allergic reactions can be noted among the side effects of taking a cough medicine, since most drugs are made from plant materials. They are manifested by the appearance of a rash and itching. Also, some children react to medications with digestive disorders - nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, loose stools.
Kinds
Dry cough mixtures are divided according to the principle of their action into:
- Medicines that block the cough center in the brain. They are prescribed with caution, mainly for very severe bouts of dry cough. These drugs include Sinekod, Paxeladin, Omnitus.
- Medicines that affect the motility of the bronchi and their mucous membranes. They stimulate the production of mucus in the bronchial and salivary glands, and also improve the peristalsis of the bronchial tree. Drugs with this effect are Bronholitin, Gedelix, Herbion, Doctor Mom, Doctor Theiss and other drugs.
- Drugs that affect the state of sputum. They are called mucolytics for the property of thinning phlegm and improving its discharge. Representatives of this group of drugs are Ambroxol, Lazolvan, Bromhexin, ACC, Ambrobene.
Drug overview
The most effective and frequently used medicines for dry cough in childhood are:
Instructions for use
Most of the mixtures prescribed for dry coughs are recommended to be taken three times daily after meals. Shake the medicine bottle slightly before use. Next, the medicine is poured into a measuring or teaspoon and given to the child. The drug can be taken with warm water or tea.
Tips
- To select the right drug, you should contact a pediatrician, since a dry cough can be caused not only by an infectious disease, but also by the ingress of a foreign body or an allergic reaction.
- Carefully read the instructions for the purchased medicine in order not to miss information on contraindications. Make sure the child is of the same age as the age for using the drug.
- Not only medications, but other measures will help alleviate a dry cough. Among them, a warm, plentiful drink is called especially important. A large amount of liquid drunk will moisturize the mucous membranes and accelerate the transition of a dry type of cough to a more humid one. You can also soften the cough by inhalation.
You will see even more about cough medicines by watching the program of Dr. Komarovsky.
