How to treat cough and breathing issues in a 12-year-old?

Question

Hello doctor,

My daughter is 12 years old and has difficulty breathing, along with a severe cough that is worst in the early mornings and at midnight. I just gave her cough suppressant syrup.

Can hot chicken soup help relieve her symptoms?
Should I consult a pediatrician or a pulmonologist for her condition?

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

Thank you for using this platform.

Does your daughter have repeated episodes of shortness of breath?
Are her symptoms related to changes in the season or exposure to dust and fumes?
A family history of bronchial asthma could indicate that she might be suffering from asthma.
If asthma is suspected, some tests may be needed, including a complete blood count, serum total immunoglobulin E, chest X-ray, and pulmonary function tests.

If she has crossed the age of 12, it is best to consult a pulmonologist. While chicken soup may comfort her, it will not help with asthma symptoms. If asthma is diagnosed, she might need to start using an inhaler like Budesonide (200/6) and a spacer. Make sure she learns the correct technique for using the inhaler, and consider getting any necessary vaccinations if she has not already.

Take care and follow up with investigations or earlier if further queries are there.

I hope that you got an answer.

Please let me know if you need any further help.

Thank you.