Features of the right choice of cough medicine for a child

Diseases of the respiratory tract are especially difficult for babies to endure, since they cannot cough up normally due to the underdevelopment of the ciliated epithelium of the bronchi. A cough medicine for children will be the best solution to the problem. The drugs can be selected to alleviate the condition for any viral, bacterial or allergic lesion.

What diseases provoke a cough?

To understand which children's cough medicine will be suitable for a particular case, you need to understand the nature of the disease. There are various disorders associated with airway spasm. This is a natural defense reaction of the body, with the help of which the bronchi and lungs are freed from pathogenic microflora and foreign bodies.

Children's syrups will be effective for the following diseases:

• pharyngitis - characterized by pronounced sore throat and a feeling of "lump" in the throat;
• laryngitis - causes a dry, unproductive cough, hoarseness, in babies it can provoke croup, which is recognized by wheezing;
• tracheitis - provokes a deep cough, which causes pain;
• bronchitis - manifested by a wet deep cough and moist wheezing;
• obstructive bronchitis - the cough has a spastic form, accompanied by chest pains, untimely treatment leads to the development of bronchial asthma;
• flu - a dry, prolonged cough is characteristic of this disease, in babies it can lead to a narrowing of the larynx (croup);
• parainfluenza - provokes a dry persistent cough, accompanied by a runny nose, does not cause an increase in body temperature;
• measles - the initial stage is accompanied by a dry cough, then it becomes more persistent and rough, wheezing is pronounced when breathing;
• whooping cough - begins with a dry cough, which then turns into a paroxysmal cough, a characteristic whistle is heard when inhaling.

Treatment of different types of cough

Depending on the type of spasm of the respiratory tract and its neglect, a mixture for dry or wet cough is chosen for children. A dry cough indicates inflammatory processes, it is especially difficult and unpleasant. Such a violation provokes an increase in body temperature due to the fact that microbes and bacteria are not removed from the bronchi along with mucus and actively multiply.

To alleviate the baby's condition, syrups are prescribed to produce phlegm and eliminate spasm.

If the cough is productive and is accompanied by sputum production, it is advisable to use agents that thin and remove mucus.

This type of cough syrup does not add volume, which is important for babies. They gently affect the respiratory tract, stimulating the work of the cilia of the ciliated epithelium. This helps to quickly remove pathogens from the bronchi and lungs.

Why syrups?

Young children are reluctant to take any medication. It is for this reason that pharmacists have created potions. The products have a pleasant aroma and taste, the crumbs drink them with pleasure. The liquid substance is absorbed more easily and faster in the body, does not cause a gag reflex, unlike tablets.

Also syrups are very easy to dose. Almost every package contains a measuring spoon, with which you can pour as much of the drug as needed by a particular patient.

Potions are poured in opaque vials, they can be stored open for several months. It is cost effective, no need to buy a new bottle if the child gets sick again.

Types of drugs

There are 3 groups of syrups for children: mucolytics, expectorants and antitussives. They all have their own characteristics and differ in the mechanisms of action. Cough syrup should be selected very carefully, since they have their own contraindications. Let's consider each type in more detail.

1. Mucolytics - thin the mucus and reduce its amount, make it easier to pass. They are made on the basis of substances such as carbocysteine, acetylcysteine, bromhexine, ambroxol hydrochloride. Effective for bronchitis, pneumonia and other disorders, accompanied by the release of viscous purulent sputum. Side effects include allergies and bronchospasm.
2. Expectorants - reduce the viscosity of phlegm and promote its active elimination from the respiratory tract. They act directly on the stomach and provoke the active production of liquid mucus in the lungs. They alleviate the condition of patients with tracheitis, laryngitis, pneumonia and other diseases accompanying a wet cough or with the presence of viscous sputum. It is forbidden to combine with antitussive drugs, this can cause stagnation of mucus in the bronchi.
3. Antitussives - they act directly on the cough center in the brain, they can be made with the use of narcotic and non-narcotic components. Used only in special cases when the spasm is very painful. Most often, babies are prescribed for whooping cough and dry pleurisy, they have a lot of contraindications.

Features of the treatment of children of different ages

The list of cough syrups is very long. However, it should be borne in mind that different remedies are shown for babies of different ages. Most drugs cannot be used for babies under 1 year old, even homeopathic medicines can be dangerous to their health. Indications and limitations contains instructions that are attached to each bottle of medicine.

Let's consider how to alleviate the condition of children of different age categories.

Natural remedies

Coughs can be treated with natural herbal syrups. Each remedy has certain properties and is prescribed depending on the disease and the type of spasm.

When choosing homeopathic medicines, pay attention to the basis - alcoholic mixtures are not recommended for children under 6 years old.

Medicines are made from such plants:

• liquorice root;
• plantain herb;
• marshmallow;
• fennel and thyme fruits;
• ginger;
• basil;
• menthol;
• nightshade, etc.

The list of medicinal herbs can be continued, it is very wide. Most often, there are syrups with a multicomponent composition. With their use, you need to be especially careful, since the child may be allergic to the components.

Carefully study the information contained in the instructions. Homeopathic remedies can react with antibiotics and other powerful medications.

Caution comes first

Syrups and potions for children are prescribed by a doctor. Only a specialist can choose an effective drug and choose a successful combination therapy. In no case do not use the products of your own free will, this can harm the health of the baby.

Read the indications and dosages carefully. Do not prolong the course of treatment, this will help to avoid negative reactions. Each drug has its own contraindications, we will consider only violations in which you need to be especially careful with the choice:

• gastrointestinal diseases;
• diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• diabetes;
• disruption of the liver, kidneys and pancreas;
• hypersensitivity to allergens.

In conclusion

Treating diseases accompanied by coughing in children with the help of mixtures is quite effective. The preparations are easy to use, easy to digest and give the desired effect after a couple of days of use. However, each of them has age restrictions and contraindications. Acceptance of any remedy must be agreed with your doctor.