subject: Childhood Chronic Cough As A Symptom Of An Underlying Disorder [print this page] Most children experience some type of ailment while they are growing up. Pediatricians advise parents to not be overly worried about these illnesses manifesting in their children, as these ailments also help develop the immune system. Parents must, nonetheless, continually pay attention to their kids's condition, in order to determine if the symptoms of the illnesses have not progressed into something that would require medical attention.
Childhood cough is a common illness in children, which is generally accompanied by colds. The standard treatment procedures for coughs include eliminating cigarette smoking exposure in the area, taking of suppressants and decongestants, and air humidification.
Nevertheless, chronic cough could also be the symptom of an underlying illness that would require medical attention. Listed below are some ailments or disorders that may include chronic coughing as one of the symptoms.
Allergic Rhinitis
This is usually a seasonal ailment, commonly set off by pollens and dust. Coughing, clear runny nose, watery eyes, itching, and sneezing are the most usual signs of allergic rhinitis.
Bronchitis
This ailment is triggered by a virus. The child will generally have runny nose and cough. Then, the coughing advances and becomes worse over several days. There is also an accompanying low grade fever and a general feeling of weakness. The condition becomes better after eight to twelve days. Antibiotics do not work in curing bronchitis.
Aspiration Or Ingestion Of Foreign Body
This is not an illness but immediate medical attention is needed when a kid accidentally swallowed or inhaled a small item that then gets lodged in the windpipe, inducing him or her in a choking and coughing fit.
Cystic Fibrosis
This is a hereditary ailment that affects the entire body and causes advancing disability, with coughing as one of the commonly observed symptoms. Unfortunately, kids are the usual victims of cystic fibrosis. The children with this ailment have bouts of wheezing, persistent coughs and repeated lung and sinus infections.
Parents should pay close attention whenever their children are having chronic bouts of coughing. Children who have coughs that get worse as the days pass, making it difficult to breathe, and do not respond to the usual treatments need to be taken to the doctor for more intensive treatment.
