Any health conditions experienced by children can make parents worried. When they have an illness, such as a cough, children will become cranky and their joy will be reduced. When a child coughs, it is important to choose the right cough medicine for children.
Because, not all cough medicines sold in pharmacies can be used by children. Given that there are also many types of cough medicine, to treat various types of coughs. So, how to choose the right cough medicine for children?
Know the Type of Cough before Choosing Children's Cough Medicine
There are many types of cough, and the right medicine to use also varies. For example, if your little one has a dry cough, the mother cannot give him medicine for coughing up phlegm, and vice versa. Choosing the wrong cough medicine can make it difficult to get better.
Therefore, mothers need to know the type of cough experienced by the child first and the appropriate drug content, as follows:
1. Dry Cough
As the name suggests, dry cough is a type of cough that does not produce phlegm or mucus. This type of cough generally occurs due to an infection in the upper respiratory tract (nose and throat), such as the flu or a cold.
The right cough medicine for children to treat dry cough is one that contains suppressants or antitussive substances, to reduce coughing. Suppressants work by suppressing the cough reflex, so that coughing can subside even more.
2. Cough with phlegm
The opposite of a dry cough, cough with phlegm is caused by the presence of phlegm or mucus that accumulates in the lower respiratory tract (throat and lungs). This type of cough is generally caused by colds and infections.
The right cough medicine for children to treat cough with phlegm is an expectorant type that contains guaifenesin. This substance serves to thin the phlegm in the throat, making it easier to expel.
3. Allergic Cough
In addition to dry cough and phlegm, children can also experience cough due to allergies. This type of cough is generally caused by allergens, such as dust, smoke, or other substances that enter the respiratory tract. The right cough medicine for children to treat this condition is one that contains antihistamines.
Important Tips in Choosing Children's Cough Medicine
After knowing what kind of cough medicine for children is right for the type of cough experienced, it is important to pay attention to the following things:
1. Choose a special cough medicine for children
Even though they have the same content, cough medicine for children and adults is different in terms of dosage. So, you should choose only cough medicine specifically for children, to avoid the risk of dangerous side effects if given medicine for adults.
2. Children's cough medicine must be syrup
Children generally have difficulty swallowing pills, tablets, or powders. Therefore, you should choose a cough syrup for children, to make it easier to swallow.
Besides being easy to swallow, cough syrup for children is usually added with a sweet fruit flavor. Medicines like this can help children who have difficulty taking medicine because they don't like the bitter taste.
However, mothers must be careful in choosing syrup drugs for children to prevent additional cases of acute kidney failure in children. Regarding the ban on liquid drugs, suspensions, drops, and oral solutions that are being carried out by the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency, mothers can ensure the administration of several types of drugs that are safe for children.
3. Choose Children's Cough Medicines That Have a Sleepy Effect
When children are coughing, they need adequate rest to recover quickly. Therefore, mothers should choose a child's cough medicine that has a side effect of drowsiness. So, after taking the medicine, your child can rest well, so that the healing process can take place quickly.
4. Follow the Instructions on the Medicine Package
In every package of cough medicine for children, there are usually instructions for use, recommended dosage, and a measuring spoon. Be sure to follow the instructions for use, dosage, and use the measuring spoon provided, so that the drug can work optimally.
That's a little explanation about tips on choosing the right cough medicine for children. If you are confused about choosing it, you can consult a doctor. then, buy cough medicine for children prescribed by a doctor.
However, if the cough experienced by the child is accompanied by a high fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, refusal to eat, vomiting, or does not go away for more than 2 weeks, immediately take the child to the nearest hospital.
