What causes severe dry cough which worsens at night?

Question

Hi doctor,

My son is 5.6 years old. He has had a dry cough for the last eight to 10 weeks. It is very often worse at night. Also, he had a bad ulcer and pain. He also had a dry cough twice last year, but not this bad.

Please advise.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

As per your history, the cough is more at night and lasts for a long time. This seems to be a case of hyperactive airway disease. This disease causes problems, mainly during weather changes, and lasts till the age of up to eight years to a maximum of 12 years in children. The severity of the disease may be either very mild or so severe that the child may require admission. These episodes can occur up to six times per year.

Treatment is started in such cases initially with normal cough, cold medications, and nebulization and then shifted over to oral preventive medicines like tablet Montelukast to be taken in the evening sharp. The course of tablet Montelukast may continue for up to five years in total, with six monthly follow-ups for dose modifications as required.

If no relief is found after the use of Montelukast, then inhaler therapy with Duolin (Salbutamol and Ipratropium) and Budecort (Budesonide) is started as per requirement.

All these medicines are preventive. They do not cure the disease. They only try to prevent and reduce the severity of the disease. This disease usually goes away on its own within a maximum of 12 years in 99 percent of children. In one percent of children, this disease may progress on to adulthood and may last lifelong. Proper physical evaluation by a physician and regular follow-up are required to start these medications.

I hope that you get your answer.

Please let me know if you need any help.

Thank you.