Cough is a respiratory defense mechanism; Is not a disease but a symptom that in excess can indicate a respiratory disease that must be taken care of.

It can be dry or productive, if mucus or phlegm is expelled. Dry cough may be triggered by irritants such as smoke, cigarette, temperature changes, presence of dust, penetrating odors, substances used for cleaning, and so on.

In the so-called dysphonic or dog cough the voice is also altered. It may be a symptom of Croup, which is the larynx and trachea, or the manifestation that your child has swallowed an object that obstructs the airway, which is always a medical emergency.

It can also be acute or chronic. The sharp one usually starts suddenly; It is often due to a cold, a cold, or a sinusitis and usually goes away within 10 days. A chronic condition lasting more than 10 days may be a symptom of asthma, respiratory allergy, or gastroesophageal reflux.

What can you do at home?

Although coughing can be a troublesome symptom, it is usually a healing mechanism of the body. Self-formulated cough-fighting medicines can be dangerous, especially in children under three years of age. Therefore they should always be prescribed by the doctor. You also can not give children cough drops or hard candy because they can cause drowning.

You can use a vaporizer or take a steam shower, as these increase the humidity in the air and can help relieve dry airways or moisten very thick phlegm. You should give your child plenty of fluids because they help dilute the mucus in the throat and facilitate sputum.

Other warning signs that warrant a medical consultation are:

• Violent cough that starts suddenly.
• Sharp sound (stridor) when inhaling the air.
• Cough with fever (may indicate a bacterial infection that requires antibiotics).
• Cough in a child of three months.
• Cough with thick, greenish-yellow phlegm (may indicate bacterial infection).
• Cough for more than 10 days.