Cough, a very common symptom in children, is one of the main reasons parents seek medical advice.
A cough is a protective mechanism which helps clear phlegm from the airways, and protects against swallowing foreign objects, but may be a sign that something is wrong.
A wet cough is described as mucous that is loose (can be swallowed or spat out) and is “chesty”.
A dry cough is described as tickly, “tight” or irritating. It is often caused by air pollution, a change in temperature, as well as medical conditions.
A post nasal drip may cause a tickly or irritating cough.
Another possible clue to the cause is how long the child has had a cough for. Cough lasting less than 3 weeks is usually caused by a viral airway infection.
A cough lasting more than 8 weeks can be caused by many things such as ongoing infection, heartburn, underlying asthma and allergies / sinusitis.
Medicines are available to relieve the irritating symptoms of cough. Ask your pharmacist about Adcock Ingram’s Dilinct Junior for relieving coughs in children.
Adcock Ingram Limited. Reg. No. 1949/034385/06 Private Bag X69, Bryanston, 2021, South Africa.
Tel +27 11 635 0000.