QuestionMy 6 year old son has had a cough now for 7 weeks, had several visits to the doctors, no fever, chest clear. Given cough mixtures, liquid for astma and a vacum for astma, x-ray clear, still no help, paid to see a private doctor who said his laryrinx was inflammed and given antibiotics and muscle relaxant said would clear up soon, 2 weeks have passed and still coughing. More at night and after running around. Will this clear up on it's own or could it be something else, thanks for your help.
AnswerHi,
A difficult problem. I think you should continue to follow the doctor's advice. Two weeks is probably too soon to expect complete resolution. In time it is likely to resolve on its own.
There are many causes of pediatric cough. The more common include sinusitis, acid reflux, allergies and asthma. When a cough gets worse when the patient is lying down it suggests post nasal drip or acid reflux. Nasal sprays to releive sinusitis or the use of antacids may be worth trying later. Exercise induced asthma might also be considered in a child whose symptoms worsen after running.
As you can tell there many etiologies of the childhood cough. In fact more than 25% of cases have more than one cause.
Best of luck
