Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I am concerned about my 12-year-old daughter. Every time she catches a cold or a virus, she develops a prolonged cough. It does not seem normal, as I understand a typical cough should resolve in less than 8 weeks. Interestingly, she does not cough at night. She is currently using a Flixotide inhaler, although we have not confirmed any allergies.
Could you please advise us on what we should do?
Thank you for your guidance.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Thank you for sharing your concerns.
According to the information you have given, your daughter's coughing habit, which appears every time she gets a cold and lasts for several weeks, may indicate that her airways are especially sensitive. This kind of recurrent cough is frequently associated with bronchial asthma, a condition in which infections or other triggers cause the airways to become irritated and reactive.
It is also crucial to remember that a cold might not necessarily be entirely viral. These symptoms may be associated with allergic rhinitis in certain children. Asthma and allergic rhinitis are closely connected conditions that frequently coexist. Repeated coughing and inflammation of the airways might result from the nose and airways reacting to allergens. House dust mites, pollens, dust from the environment, weather variations, and other irritants are common causes. A key component of management is avoiding these triggers. You can lessen symptoms by keeping your home dust-free, washing your bedding frequently, and staying away from smoking and strong allergens.
Because inhalers administer medication directly to the lungs, they are frequently given for children with sensitive airways. These drugs help maintain the breathing passages open and lessen airway inflammation, which can stop protracted coughing fits following colds or allergic reactions.
A spirometry test is typically the most helpful in determining whether this is asthma. This test supports a diagnosis of asthma by measuring lung function and airflow and can help detect airway blockage and improvement following bronchodilator therapy.
Although this can vary from child to child, it's also comforting that many kids have fewer symptoms as they become older.
I hope this answers all of your queries and worries. Please do not hesitate to follow up if necessary.
Thank you.
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Answered byDr. Amandeep Singh Arneja
Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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