Why is my baby's cough getting worse after taking the medication?

Oct 19, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng

Introduction

In general, if a baby's cough worsens after taking medication, it may be a normal reaction to the drug, or could result from factors such as inappropriate medication, coughing due to choking after taking medicine, allergic cough, or bronchospasm. It is recommended that patients follow medical advice and receive appropriate treatment accordingly. In addition, a worsening cough after medication might also be caused by pneumonia.

In general, if a baby's cough worsens after taking medication, it could be due to normal drug reactions, inappropriate medication use, coughing caused by choking during administration, allergic cough, or bronchial spasms. It is recommended to follow medical advice for appropriate treatment. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Normal drug reaction

Certain cough-suppressing medications may temporarily worsen coughing in order to help expel mucus from the respiratory tract. Once the mucus is cleared, the baby's cough will gradually improve. This is considered a normal drug response.

2. Inappropriate medication

If the medication used does not match the nature of the baby's cough, it may cause the cough to worsen. For example, using cold-natured medicines to treat a cold-type cough may exacerbate symptoms. In such cases, parents should adjust the treatment plan according to medical advice.

3. Coughing due to choking after medication

If the baby swallows medicine too quickly and chokes, this can also lead to increased coughing. Parents are advised to gently pat the baby’s back to help relieve the choking-induced cough.

4. Allergic cough

Allergic cough refers to coughing triggered by sensitive environmental factors, such as pollen allergy, dust allergy, or mite allergy. Parents should ensure that the baby’s environment is clean and hygienic, and尽量 minimize exposure to allergens.

5. Bronchial spasm

If the baby has severe coughing accompanied by difficulty breathing or signs of airway obstruction, it may be due to bronchial spasm. Parents may administer medications such as desloratadine oral solution, cetirizine hydrochloride drops, or amoxicillin capsules under medical guidance.

Parents are advised to promptly take the baby to the hospital for evaluation, identify the underlying cause, and begin appropriate treatment accordingly.

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What should I do if my baby has a severe cough at night due to a cold?

Under normal circumstances, a baby's cold with severe coughing at night may be caused by dry respiratory tract, changes in body position, bronchitis, pneumonia, bronchial asthma, or other related conditions. Treatment may include general care and medication under a doctor's guidance. It is advisable to keep the indoor air circulating by regularly opening windows to maintain fresh air and reduce respiratory irritation.

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Can babies eat onions when they have a cough?

Wind-cold cough typically presents with symptoms such as white and clear phlegm, nasal congestion with clear discharge, and cold intolerance. In such cases, consuming small amounts of cooked onions, for example in the form of boiled water or soup, may help dispel wind-cold and alleviate cough symptoms due to their warm nature and pungent flavor. It is important to use mild cooking methods, avoid spicy or irritating seasonings, and control the amount consumed to prevent increasing the gastrointestinal burden.

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Can children with cough eat Malabar spinach?

If a baby's cough is caused by respiratory infections such as a cold or tracheitis, and gastrointestinal function is unaffected, Malabar spinach can be processed into a smooth paste or soft, finely chopped form and given in small amounts. Malabar spinach is rich in vitamin C, dietary fiber, and other nutrients; its mild flavor will not irritate the respiratory tract. Moderate consumption helps replenish fluids and vitamins, aiding recovery, while dietary fiber promotes intestinal motility.

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Can children with coughs eat waxberries?

Non-irritating dry cough, such as cough during recovery from common cold, without significant phlegm or wheezing, and when the infant is in good general condition and has normal digestive function, a small amount of Chinese bayberry (Myrica rubra) may be consumed. Chinese bayberry contains vitamin C and water; moderate consumption may help replenish body fluids, but attention should be paid to the method of consumption. It is not recommended for allergic cough or when accompanied by gastrointestinal sensitivity.