Don't just choose a child's cough medicine! safe, follow the method below

When a child has a cough, the child's health condition deteriorates and is less active. Parents generally want their children to recover quickly and be happy again by giving their child's cough medicine.

Unfortunately, not all cough medicines can be used carelessly on children. This is because there are many types of cough medicines.

Then, how do you choose the right cough medicine for children?

Know first the type of cough your child is experiencing

All coughs are not the same. There are several types of coughs and the remedies are different. Do not give dry cough medicine to a child who has a cough with phlegm, or vice versa.

Children will not get well if you choose the wrong medicine. The following are types of cough in children and the medicinal contents in them:

• Cough with phlegm

A cough with phlegm is caused by the presence of mucus or phlegm that has accumulated in the lower respiratory tract, namely the throat and lungs. This condition can be caused by colds and infections.

If your little one has a cough with phlegm, choose an expectorant type cough medicine containing guaifenesin. Guaifenesin substance functions to thin the mucus or phlegm in the throat so that it is easier to expel.

• Dry cough

A dry cough is a type of cough that does not produce mucus or phlegm, and occurs as a result of upper respiratory tract (nose and throat) infections such as a cold or flu.

If your little one has a dry cough, make sure the cough medicine contains suppressants or antitussive substances to help reduce coughs. As the name implies, suppressants work by suppressing the cough reflex, so that coughs in children are less frequent.

• Allergic cough

Children can also experience coughs because of allergies, you know. This type of cough can be caused due to an allergy to dust, smoke, or other particles that enter the respiratory tract. If an allergic reaction is the cause of your little one's cough, then choose a medication that contains an antihistamine.

What kind of cough medicine should you choose for your child?

1. Choose a special cough medicine for children

Choose a cough medicine that is specifically for children. Do not give your little one cough medicine to adults. This is because the dosage and content between children and adults are different. It is feared that children will experience dangerous side effects when given drugs for adults.

2. Choose a cough syrup form

If a parent gives cough medicine in the form of pills, tablets, or even powder, it is likely that the child will find it difficult to swallow. This is because this type of cough medicine tends to be difficult to swallow in the throat and tastes bad. It is recommended to give your little one cough syrup which is easier to swallow.

3. Choose a cough medicine that tastes good

Children generally find it difficult to take medicine because it tastes bitter and does not taste good. To overcome this, choose a cough syrup that tastes sweet. In pharmacies, there are medicines with fruit flavors such as apple or orange. The fruity taste of medicine can be easier for children to give and drink.

4. Choose a cough medicine that can make you sleepy

Children need to get enough rest when coughing so that they recover quickly. Therefore, parents can choose a drug child whose side effects can make the child drowsy. That way, after taking the medicine your little one can sleep and rest to speed up the healing process.

5. Select the cough medicine that has the rules for use in the packaging

The effective cough medicine for children, of course, has its own rules of use. In addition, usually in the cough medicine package there is a measuring spoon for the medicine. Use the measuring spoon when giving medicine to children, don't use the spoon yourself at home.

Follow the dosage recommended in the drug usage rules. The dosage is usually divided based on the child's age.

When should your little one be brought to the doctor when coughing?

Parents should immediately take their child to the doctor if they experience any of these things:

• Cough accompanied by high fever
• The child has difficulty breathing due to coughing
• The child has whooping cough
• Chest pain
• Difficulty or unwilling to eat
• The child coughs up blood accompanied by vomiting

It is important to see a doctor if the cough in children has lasted more than 2 weeks. If the cough recurs for more than 3 consecutive months, parents are required to have their child checked by a doctor for further treatment.

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