Why are steroid medications prescribed for children's cough?

In general, the use of corticosteroids for cough in children may be related to specific underlying causes. Common causes include airway foreign body, allergic cough, bronchial asthma, acute laryngitis, and bronchiolitis. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Airway Foreign Body

A foreign body in the airway can irritate the mucous membrane, triggering an inflammatory response and intensifying the cough reflex in an attempt to expel the object. Symptoms may also include difficulty breathing, cyanosis, and hoarseness. Parents should promptly take the child to a medical facility if a foreign body is suspected. The location of the object can be confirmed via bronchoscopy, and removal can be performed accordingly.

2. Allergic Cough

Allergic cough is triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. It is often accompanied by symptoms of allergic rhinitis, including sneezing, nasal congestion, and runny nose. Under medical guidance, parents may administer medications such as cetirizine oral solution, loratadine syrup, or mometasone furoate nasal spray to alleviate symptoms.

3. Bronchial Asthma

Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. Corticosteroids help suppress airway inflammation, reduce edema and mucus secretion, decrease airway hyperresponsiveness, and thereby relieve coughing and wheezing. It is recommended that children use medications such as beclomethasone dipropionate inhaler, budesonide inhalation suspension, or salbutamol aerosol under medical supervision.

4. Acute Laryngitis

Acute laryngitis involves congestion and swelling of the laryngeal mucosa, leading to hoarseness, cough, and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms may include a "barking" cough and voice changes. Under a doctor's advice, parents may give children medications such as amoxicillin capsules, cefaclor capsules, or azithromycin capsules for treatment.

5. Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is primarily caused by viral infections, characterized by damage to the airway epithelium and inflammatory response. Corticosteroids can help reduce airway inflammation and promote recovery. Under medical guidance, parents may administer medications such as Pulike mixture, pediatric paracetamol-phenyl-salt granules, or amoxicillin granules to relieve symptoms.

If symptoms persist or worsen, parents should promptly take the child to a reputable hospital for timely treatment to prevent further deterioration. In daily life, maintaining a light diet and avoiding spicy or irritating foods—such as Sichuan pepper, chili peppers, and onions—is beneficial for recovery.