Winter is the peak season for respiratory diseases, and coughing is the most common symptom of respiratory system diseases.
Coughing in children is a physiological defense reflex
From a medical perspective, coughing is a normal physiological defense reflex and the only way for the body to clear respiratory tract mucus. Sometimes children may cough a few times when they wake up in the morning, which is just their way of clearing the mucus accumulated in the respiratory tract overnight and clearing their throat.
Children have a poor cough reflex and have difficulty expelling phlegm. If parents immediately give cough suppressants when they see their children coughing, although the cough temporarily stops, the phlegm cannot be effectively expelled and will accumulate in the trachea and bronchi, leading to airway obstruction. The correct approach is to give cough suppressants only after the child has coughed up phlegm.
Identify the type of cough by listening to the sound
Coughing is a manifestation of diseases such as colds, bronchitis, pharyngitis, asthma, and tuberculosis. The cough sounds caused by different diseases are different, and parents can preliminarily judge the severity and urgency of the disease by listening to the sound.
In general, a common cold is characterized by coughing with phlegm, without wheezing or shortness of breath, and occurs both day and night. Suspected asthma is characterized by persistent coughing often accompanied by wheezing or shortness of breath. The cough can last for more than 10 days and worsens at night or after physical activity. Additionally, when children come into contact with pollen, cold air, pet dander, dust, or smoke, their coughing worsens. Suspected influenza is characterized by a slightly hoarse cough originating from the throat, with occasional dry cough or coughing with phlegm.
Scientific care is the key to treating coughs
Scientific care is beneficial for the treatment of children's diseases. How to take care of children with coughs? First, prevent oral secretions from entering the child's trachea and causing choking cough. Secondly, provide a smoke-free environment for the child and ensure indoor air circulation. The temperature and humidity in the child's room should be suitable. In winter, outdoor activities should not be too long, and crowded public places should be avoided. Pay attention to changes in weather and adjust the child's clothing accordingly.
Parents should also pay attention to their child's diet. Spicy and sweet foods can worsen the child's cough symptoms. Mothers often like to cook sugar pear water for coughing babies. If too much sugar is used, it will not only fail to suppress the cough but may also worsen it due to excessive sweetness. Seafood and cold fruits should also be avoided.
Coughing rapidly removes moisture from the respiratory tract mucosa, causing dehydration of the mucosa due to inflammation. Therefore, parents should encourage their child to drink plenty of water.
