Severe Cough

My daughter went through the same thing. It sounds like it may be Reactive Airway. I would call the doctor and see what he/she thinks.

At this point it could be a number of things that would require an antibiotic to fix - my daughter has had these same kind of symptoms, but it can have different sources. Sometimes bronchitis, sometimes bronchialitis - last time, in fact, it turned out to be an ear infection she wasn't complaining about - it was draining into her throat and causing the cough. At this point, I respectfully suggest you cannot fix it yourself and should go to the pediatrician.

You should give him motrin or tylenol. This will help ease the inflamation that is making the cough worse. I would also make sure it isn't something more serious than a cough. My husband always gets a lasting cough after a cold and horrible pain in his chest. It is usually because he bruises his lungs from coughing so much, but he always goes to the doc to make sure. Advil always works for me and helps my chest cough clear faster. Good luck!!

Hi M.,
If you haven't called your pediatrician yet you may want to check with them. Sometimes a lingering cough can be a sign of an infection. Worst case scenario they can give you a few ideas. Last time we saw the Ped, he suggested trying Clariten (sp?) for children. My son currently has a cough and that's what I am using. It's been a tough season this year! Good luck!

D.

Did yo put vicks on the soles of his feet? I don't know why it works but it does. He sounds like he had the cold my boys had. My oldest's cleared up much quicker than my little guy's because my oldest was on oripred bc it really did a number on his asthma. My youngest coughed for a month and half if not more and was terrible he would get a deep red/purple when coughing and they coughing would come often and last a longtime. If all nonmedicine fails I suggest Triaminic cold and allergy its orange for some reason the allergy part helps to really clear up the fluid and dry out there noses so they don't get all that postnasal drip that triggers the coughing. I would suggest you take to the ped just to make sure that he doesn't have pnemonia. Good luck.

Hi M.,

Along with checking him for pneumonia, force the fluids!!!!
Seriously, I had a horrible cough years ago. Fortunately a cousin of mine who was a nurse heard me and told me to drink LOTS of fluids. It cleared up. I can't remember how long it took but it worked wonderfully. Maybe one full glass every 1/2 hour? I had been coughing so much that my ribs muscles were in pain. I have a relative who coughed so much her lungs became bruised or something - lungs rubbed too much on surrounding rib walls.

Good luck,
: ) Maureen

You didn't mention the age of the child which is important when you are considering medication. I am a big fan of the old fashioned liquid Sudafed (comes in a box with a school bus on it and you have to sign for it and give your license number in Ma.). It really helps the post nasal drip that often causes a cough. It can make some younger kids hyper, though. It made my daughter sleepy and kind of cranky which was fine because I would let her nap. If the cough has gotten worse, your child needs to go back to the doctor. Our doctor always prescribed infants Dimetabb and I always gave my children the smallest amount possible. You could even try half dosages..... but start with a talk with the pediatrician! Good luck. I've been there, too!

Ask your doctor about Delsym. It is a very effective cough suppressent. Your doctor will have to recommend a dose based on your babys weight.

Does he have any fever? My daughters both recently had pneumonia. You may want to check in with the pedi and see if they think you should go and get him checked out.

M.,

take him to the Doctor, he may have pneumonia.

I would take him to the pediatrician to find out what's up. My kids have been prescribed inhalers (different kinds) over the years for their various coughs. It could be any number of things. Best to get it checked out. I would not use cold medicine.

Hi M.,
This sounds like the plight of my son, Max 20 months old. I have always heard that the cough is the hardest to get rid of, but you may want to ask your Pedi. about RSV...it seems to be going around right now!...almost an epidemic! You might try a few Homeopathic remedies, Hyland's makes a nice Cough 'n Cold syrup...check out www.NiNiBambini.com, I know they sell it! Good luck!

Hi M.,
When my kids, or us, have a cough like the one you describe I give either a homeopathic natural cough medicine for kids that I get at Whole Foods or the homeopathic remedy Ipecac. (http://www.absolutelythepurest.com/homeopathy/ipecac.html) This link gives a good description of what it is used for. Don't be thrown off by the vomiting part. One homeopathic remedy can be used for a wide variety of symptoms. In your son's case it's the violent, continuous coughing. It has worked for us and homeopathy is a natural alternative. Write to me personally if you have more questions. Good luck. I've been there.

B.

I'm not sure if anyone said this yet, but hopefully your Doctor will prescribe an inhaler with ProAir or Albuterol. Albuterol is a miracle when it comes to a persistent cough. One puff and the cough is GONe. Love this miracle drug.

My son had the same thing last year. Have your doc check for serious stuff first. I ended up going to a Whole Foods store and using an all natural cough medicine, something that has wild cherry bark as the main ingredient. I went to Whole Foods in Andover, there is a lady there (I forget her name) she used to work for a scientist researching homeopathic and all natural herbs, she is very informative. Hope that helps!