How to manage cough and wheezing in my 4-year-old child?

Question

Hello doctor,

My 4-year-old has an allergy-related cough. She coughs frequently, and since yesterday, she has had chest retractions and has been wheezing at night while sleeping. I have been to doctors many times, but it is not getting any better. What can I do to make the coughing stop?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern.

I am worried about the chest retractions and wheezing you describe. These are signs that your daughter could be having an asthma attack or a significant narrowing of the airway and not simply an allergy-related cough.

She is not on any medication at this time and her symptoms have worsened since yesterday. I would recommend you do the following:

Have her seen by a doctor when you can, especially if the chest retractions are still present.

If you have a Salbutamol inhaler or nebuliser prescribed previously then use it as directed by your doctor whilst you arrange a medical review.

Avoid triggers like smoke, dust, strong perfumes, incense etc.

Encourage fluids and keep an eye on her breathing.

If she is breathing fast, has trouble breathing, can’t speak in full sentences, is unusually sleepy, has bluish lips, or if the wheezing does not get better, get emergency care now.

Asthma would be an important consideration given your history of recurrent cough since last winter and the need for nebulisation previously. She may need long-term controller medication instead of repeated courses of allergy medicine.

If you can upload a short video of her breathing. Please let me know if she has a fever and if the chest retractions are happening right now. This will be more beneficial.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.