Treatment of fever and cough in a child. Questions

The reasons

Why does the child have a cough and fever? The most common cause is considered ARI - otherwise ARI (acute respiratory disease), which is infectious in nature. A child can become infected anywhere, but close contact or prolonged stay in an unventilated room with a patient is the highest risk.

If there are several infected children or adults, the likelihood of transmission of the pathogen increases. Hypothermia, a recent illness (not necessarily an infectious etiology) increases the child's susceptibility to ARI.

The pathogen transmission mechanism is simple. The main one is the airborne pathway: the patient spreads the infection with the secretion of the respiratory organs exhaled during sneezing or coughing. The contact path is also relevant.

If a person sneezes, covering his mouth with his palm, and after that touches the handrails in public transport, toys, dishes, a secret will remain on them, which means a virus or bacteria. It is enough for a child, grabbing his favorite mug, to rub his eyes, nasal mucosa - an unhindered access of infection is open.

Cough and fever are not always ARI symptoms. Some diseases respiratory system - for example, cystic fibrosis - lead to secondary infection, recurrent bronchitis and pneumonia.

Bronchiectasis, characterized by deformation of the bronchi, their pathological expansion with the formation of bronchiectasis, can develop against the background of cystic fibrosis or have a different etiology.

What is a cough like?

A complaint of cough as a manifestation of catarrhal syndrome in ARI or other pathology requires clarification. To get closer to the formulation of the diagnosis, it is necessary to find out which cough is bothering the child. According to the classification, it can be:

1. Dry (non-productive) and wet (productive).
2. Morning, afternoon, evening and night - or constant, if it is impossible to identify any time of day.
3. Cough tone is an important aspect; it is divided into hoarse, soundless and "barking".

There are additional characteristics of a cough - a metallic shade with laryngitis and tracheitis, spastic cough tremors with whooping cough.

And the temperature can be signs of acute bronchitis, as well as relief after sputum discharge.

Types and treatment of ARI

The clinical picture of infections accompanied by coughing depends on the level of the respiratory tract. They are characterized by general symptoms:

• headache, weakness;
• rapid fatigue, especially with physical exertion;
• hyperthermia from 37 to 41 degrees Celsius;
• decreased or lack of appetite with fever;
• cough.

Pharyngitis is an inflammation of the lining of the throat. The child has a dry cough; the temperature rises to 37-38 degrees Celsius. The dominant symptom is sore throat and sore throat, when saliva is swallowed, radiating to the ears.

To cure pharyngitis, rinsing with chamomile, inhalation with warm steam, foot baths with hot water, refusal of sharp, irritating mucous food are used. If the child does not have allergies, milk with honey has a positive effect.

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx. Since the vocal cords are affected, a hoarse, quiet voice is characteristic. The child develops a typical "barking" cough with a temperature of up to 38 degrees Celsius. Treatment includes not talking loudly, eating spicy food, staying in cold air, near smokers, or indoors where the air is hot and dry.

A plentiful warm drink, gargling with decoctions of herbs is necessary. Hot foot baths, alkaline inhalations contribute to recovery.

Tracheitis is called inflammatory process in the trachea. The cough is dry, paroxysmal, and accompanied by chest pain. In children, the temperature can reach 39 degrees Celsius. A few days after the onset of the disease, viscous sputum begins to cough up.

The range of therapeutic measures is wider than for pharyngitis and laryngitis. Antiviral or antibacterial agents are used with confidence in the etiology of tracheitis, inhalation, abundant warm drink.

An agonizing cough can be stopped with antitussives (codeine, libexin). But they cannot be taken without a doctor's prescription - if the process has spread to the bronchi, it threatens with serious complications.

Bronchitis in a child usually means coughing and temperature. At the onset of the disease, the cough is unproductive, it becomes moist after three to four days, mucus sputum, in moderation. Since in most cases (90%) the causative agent is a virus, you should not start treatment with antibacterial drugs.

Recommendations include generous warm drinks: teas (with raspberries, honey) and heated water. Antipyretics should not be abused. Hyperthermia is a defensive reaction, so it is necessary to lower the temperature if it is too high or the child does not tolerate it well.

Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) is contraindicated in children due to the risk of Reye's syndrome (acute liver failure). Allowed paracetamol, ibuprofen. Mucolytics (means for thinning sputum) are prohibited for a child under 2 years of age, they are replaced with an enhanced drinking regime, comfortable air humidification, and inhalation.

Lesion of small bronchi in children of the younger age group. In addition to the fact that the child has a cough and a temperature of 37-39 degrees Celsius, there is shortness of breath with the participation of the auxiliary muscles, swelling of the wings of the nose, severe intoxication: weakness, lethargy, lack of appetite.

The list of mandatory measures includes oxygen therapy, for severe forms they use antibacterial drugs, glucocorticosteroids.

Pneumonia - involvement of the lungs in the pathological process. As a rule, the lower lobes are affected on one or both sides. This disease is characterized by a pronounced intoxication syndrome. Weakness forces the patient to stay in bed, he does not tolerate physical activity.

A cough and a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius in a child may appear immediately or several days after a typical ARI pattern: rhinitis, sore throat, persists for more than 3 days. Pneumonia often results from bronchitis.

A wide spectrum is used in therapy (amoxicillin / clavulanate, cefotaxime, josamycin). Be sure to observe the drinking regime. Recommendations for mucolytics and antipyretics coincide with the rules for use for bronchitis.

Chronic cough

A chronic cough is one that lasts more than 8 weeks. The temperature rises only in the acute period and remains normal outside exacerbations, but in some cases, subfebrile hyperthermia is constantly observed.

With cystic fibrosis, a persistent cough worsens at night, the child suffers from attacks of suffocation, vomiting. The accession of infection provokes bronchitis and pneumonia. Children with cystic fibrosis should receive complex therapy, which includes:

• diet high in salt;
• breathing exercises;
• antimicrobial agents;
• mucolytic agents;
• vitamins;
• inhalation;
• pancreatic enzymes.

The antibiotic for the treatment of complications is selected based on the results of bacteriological research and an antibacterial susceptibility test.

Exacerbation of bronchiectasis includes constant weakness, shortness of breath, cough with the release of thick purulent sputum of a viscous consistency in a large volume and a body temperature of 37 degrees Celsius and above. In severe cases, hemoptysis is possible.

As a treatment, antibiotic therapy, sanitation of the bronchial tree, if necessary, glucocorticosteroids and surgical intervention are offered.

Pulmonary tuberculosis should be considered as a likely cause of chronic cough. If the child has prolonged cough and a temperature of 37, weight loss, night sweats, as well as contact with a patient with tuberculosis in history, it is worth conducting a specific diagnosis.

Given the wide range possible reasons cough and fever in a child, one can encounter both a mild form of ARI of viral origin and a serious illness that requires extremely careful attention from the parents and the doctor.

Respiratory system pathologies such as bronchitis and pneumonia are difficult to determine on their own, without confirmation by X-ray data.

Self-medication or lack of treatment can seriously harm a child's health. The choice of the group, dosage and method of administration of drugs (oral, parenteral) should be carried out by a specialist doctor on the basis of a face-to-face examination and a sufficient examination.

Ruslan asks:

the child is 4 years old, he has a temperature of 39 and a severe cough medicines or folk can be used ...

If the child has a dry cough, then it is necessary to ensure that the sputum leaves. For this purpose, drugs such as mucaltin, bromhexine, ambraxol are prescribed, inhalations with drugs that contain various essential oils of eucalyptus, conifers, anise oil, thyme - Mentoklar, Eucabal, Bronchicum. A plentiful drink is necessary - preference is given to broths and teas (breast collection, thyme).
With a productive cough (with sputum separation), you only need to drink plenty of fluids (fight against intoxication of the body).
At temperatures above 38.5 grams, the use of antipyretic agents is necessary - it is recommended to use children's paracetamol in syrup.
Dosing of paracetamol syrup: a single dose of 10 mg / kg, the maximum frequency of administration is 3 times a day.
If the temperature rises above 39.5, you need to call an ambulance.

Natalia asks:

the child is 5 years old. the first day the temperature is 38, the second day he coughs. the first day the cough was wet, and today it is dry. I give amoxicillin, 3 times a day, half a tablet, ascoril, arbidol. Am I doing it right? advise if something goes wrong

Please tell me if the child was examined by a pediatrician? And what kind of Ascoril does your child take: ordinary or Ascoril-expectorant?

Natalia asks:

the doctor did not examine the child, we accept the ascoril expectorant

It is necessary for the child to be examined by a pediatrician. Please clarify what dosage you are giving your child amoxicillin. You may need to undergo tests to clarify the diagnosis and prescribe the correct treatment.

Nadezhda asks:

Hello! I have a child at the age of 3.5 g. the temperature reaches 39.5, dry cough and stuffy nose. I would like to know this can't be pneumonia ???

The symptoms you describe may be a manifestation of pneumonia, your child must be examined by a pediatrician. The kid needs to pass general analysis blood and x-rays chest, to clarify the diagnosis and initiate adequate treatment.

Victoria asks:

The child is 3.10 years old. On Thursday we came from the garden, conjunctivitis began in the evening, the temperature rose to 38.2 and cough began on Friday. Conjunctivitis was cured, but the cough intensified and the temperature rises 2 times a day to 38.3.

Similar symptoms can be characteristic of both bronchitis and pneumonia, which could appear as a complication after an acute respiratory viral infection. It is imperative that the child be given a general blood and urine test, and be examined by a pediatrician. After examination and familiarization with the results of the examination, the pediatrician will be able to make a more accurate diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

lena asks:

Hello, tell me how to be? She underwent a medical examination upon admission to work, on the same day she began to cough up, the next day she had a strong cough and a temperature of 39. They were not allowed to go from work to reception. I tried ibuprofen at a temperature - it did not help ((

Alina asks:

the child has a temperature of 37.3, the cough is not dry, which remedy is more effective, can it be signs of flu. thanks

In this case, the child should be examined by a pediatrician or pulmonologist to rule out bronchitis, pneumonia. The effectiveness of the medication will depend on the diagnosis made after the examination. Including such changes can be with the flu, but, as a rule, the flu proceeds with a higher temperature. You can learn more about the reasons for the increase in temperature in a child from the thematic section of our website: High temperature. ABOUT colds in children, you can get additional information by clicking on the link: Colds, ARI, ARVI

Aidana asks:

a 2-year-old child has been tormented for a month by a long dry cough at the beginning of the pneumonia, they were lying in the hospital, but the cough has not yet been passed, they drank the antibiotic, then after a while they drank the sinecode, but I don’t know what to do, but yesterday the temperature rose 38

In this case, if the cough is dry, it is recommended to consult a doctor, an allergist-pulmonologist, most likely the child has a cough with an allergic component. It is necessary to conduct additional examinations that will clarify the diagnosis and begin anti-allergic therapy, as well as exclude from the diet foods that allergize the body: everything red and orange, citrus fruits, chocolate, etc. Only after an accurate diagnosis is made, the allergist will be able to prescribe adequate treatment. For more information about the causes of cough in children, read the series of articles by clicking on the link:

• Etiological factors
  • Cough and fever with flu and SARS
  • Pertussis infection
  • Inflammation of the bronchi in children
  • Pneumonia as a Cause of Cough and Fever
• Diagnostics and treatment

Children suffer from respiratory diseases much more often than adults. A child's cough and fever may be symptoms of bacterial and viral diseases... Coughing is the body's defensive reaction. It is most commonly caused by inflammation respiratory tract (bronchi, lung tissue, trachea) or obstruction. The cough is productive and dry. Temperature is also an adaptive response. This is the main sign of body intoxication. If the temperature is less than 38.5 degrees, you do not need to knock it down. With what diseases does the child's body temperature rise and a cough appears?

Etiological factors

Fever and cough can have various origins. Hyperthermia is a sign of an infectious disease. Similar symptoms in children can be observed with the following pathologies:

• ARVI;
• flu;
• laryngitis;
• tracheitis;
• tracheobronchitis;
• pneumonia;
• whooping cough.

A coughing baby can be a source of infection. This happens with flu, whooping cough and other pathologies. Less commonly, the cause is tuberculosis infection. Each disease has its own specific characteristics. For example, with the flu, the cough is dry, intense, accompanied by chest pain.

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Cough and fever with flu and SARS

The appearance of cough and fever in a child can be caused by viral infection... Most often, similar symptoms are detected with ARVI and influenza. Differential diagnosis of these diseases is difficult. A diagnosis of influenza requires laboratory testing (virus isolation). Due to the fact that influenza has now become a pandemic, laboratory diagnostics are rarely performed. Today there are 3 types of influenza viruses: A, B, C. They are constantly changing. Young children are more susceptible to illness. The crowding of collectives contributes to this. Flu symptoms are most common in the fall and winter. The incubation period is up to 3 days. The main symptoms are:

• a sudden increase in body temperature up to 39-40 degrees;
• chills;
• myalgia;
• weakness;
• headache;
• dryness of the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth;
• dry cough.

The temperature in children with flu most often rises in the evening. It can be observed for several days. In most cases, flu symptoms subside within 3-5 days of infection. A runny nose with flu is rare. Influenza for children is dangerous for its possible complications. These include the development of pneumonia, lung abscess, distress syndrome, development of sinusitis, otitis media, myocarditis, inflammation of the brain substance.

As for ARVI, the symptoms are very similar to those of the flu. Children may complain of nasal congestion, malaise, coughing, chills, and muscle and joint pain.

Often, with ARVI, lymph nodes are enlarged. Cough with ARVI is most often dry, barking. It occurs periodically in the form of seizures. Less often, it is moist with a separation of light sputum. Children may be concerned about sore throat, watery eyes, difficulty in nasal breathing.

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Pertussis infection

A cough combined with a fever can be a sign of a serious childhood disorder such as whooping cough. it infection with a predominantly aerosol mechanism of transmission of the pathogen, which is characterized by paroxysmal cough.

In babies under the age of 2 years, this pathology often becomes the cause of death. The causative agent of the disease is bordetella pertussis. In its course, whooping cough resembles ARVI. The main symptoms of the disease are:

• a slight increase in body temperature;
• spasmodic cough;
• swelling of the neck veins;
• discharge from the nasal cavity;
• discoloration of the skin;
• signs of lack of air;
• hemorrhage;
• convulsions.

Whooping cough is very specific. It has the following features:

• paroxysmal;
• dry and sparse at first, then becomes more prolonged;
• increases gradually;
• can last for a month.

Coughing fits consist of several coughing coughs. During an attack, the child emits a characteristic whistle (reprise). During an attack, children have a suffering expression on their faces. Cyanosis is often observed. In young children, this condition is dangerous by respiratory arrest. Today, mass vaccination of children is being carried out against this infection. Pertussis vaccination is included in the national calendar.

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Inflammation of the bronchi in children

Cough and hyperthermia can be the main manifestations of bronchitis. The latter is acute and chronic. The main reasons for the development of acute bronchitis in children are:

• penetration of bacteria, viruses, fungi into the bronchi;
• inhalation of toxic substances;
• contact with allergens;
• close contact with a sick person.

The duration of acute bronchitis in children is most often 1-1.5 weeks. Patients may be disturbed by cough, malaise, fever. At first, the cough is dry, then sputum discharge is observed. In the case of obstructive bronchitis, phlegm may accumulate in the bronchi, causing moist wheezing. At the same time, the body temperature remains within the normal range or slightly rises. With the development of bronchiolitis in young children, other symptoms can also join the cough: dry mouth, impaired appetite and sleep. If such signs appear, you need to consult a doctor and exclude a more severe pathology (pneumonia).

Children more often than adults suffer from diseases of the respiratory system. Usually, a child has quite common symptoms caused by a bacterial or viral infection, and can be the cause of various diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to understand that it is not safe to treat a child's cough on their own, since in this way serious complications can develop, for the exclusion of which you should consult a specialist.

The nature of the cough and its causes

A child can cough for various reasons, which are manifested by individual symptoms. The most common reasons include the following situations:

Below are the characteristics of the most common illnesses associated with cough and fever.

Flu cough

More often this disease small children are susceptible, their symptoms are more pronounced. To make a diagnosis, it is necessary to do laboratory tests, since influenza viruses are regularly modified.

The main flu symptoms are:

• dry cough;
• a sharp rise in temperature, up to 40 degrees;
• feverish condition;
• headache and muscle pain;
• nasal congestion;
• dry mucous membranes.

Influenza is dangerous for its complications; at the first signs of illness, the child must be left at home and call a doctor. Usually, for 3 days, he recommends bed rest, abundant drink, which moisturizes a dry cough, eliminates dehydration associated with high temperatures, removes the waste products of viruses from the body and toxins.

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Taking the right flu treatment will help you avoid complications, usually:

Whooping cough

Often, a paroxysmal cough in combination with fever is a sign of whooping cough. This pathology is especially dangerous for babies under 2 years old, as it leads to death. The main symptoms of the disease:

Pertussis treatment usually does not require hospitalization. It may be needed if the child is younger than 3 years old or has respiratory arrest. At home, the doctor recommends taking the following drugs:

If the child is diagnosed with whooping cough, then it is necessary to ventilate the room more often, walk outside, and provide moist and cool air in the room.

Also, psychological support of parents, distracting the child at the time of seizures, plays an important role.

Cough with bronchitis

Cough and fever can be signs of bronchitis, during which the patient is tormented by:

If such symptoms appear, you must consult a doctor to confirm bronchitis and exclude pneumonia. Treatment of bronchitis does not mean taking antibiotics immediately, they are indicated in the case of a bacterial infection. If the nature of the disease is viral, then antiviral drugs are needed. Usually the doctor will prescribe the following medications:

1. Antibiotics - Azithromycin, Amoxicillin.
2. Antiviral agents - Viferon, Genferon.
3. Antihistamines - for example, Loratadin, Suprastin.
4. Mucolytics - ACC, Lazolvan, Ambroxol.

Cough with pneumonia

Often the cause of cough and high fever in children is pneumonia, which most often develops as a complication after suffering from acute respiratory viral infections and influenza. Typical symptoms of pneumonia are:

• heat;
• rapid breathing, severe wheezing;
• heavy moist coughaccompanied by the discharge of purulent sputum.

Drug therapy for pneumonia includes the use of the following drugs:

Temperature reduction rules

When a child's temperature rises during an illness, this is a sign that the body is beginning to fight the virus. However, it is necessary to reduce it in order to alleviate the condition of the baby. Below we will consider cases when a decrease is necessary, but a small rise that does not aggravate general well-being cannot be reduced. It is necessary to reduce the temperature in such cases:

To bring down the temperature and alleviate the baby's condition, it is recommended to take the following medications:

1. Paracetamol.
2. Efferalgan.
3. Ibuprofen.
4. Ibufen.
5. Nurofen.

If the baby has a high fever, accompanied by a febrile condition, strong cooling of the limbs, then the antipyretic can be combined with No-shpa, Papaverine. The simultaneous administration of an antipyretic and antihistamine drug will help bring down the temperature for a long time.

Physiotherapy methods will also help bring down the temperature if it is kept at high rates. However, it must be remembered that these methods can be used if the child does not have a fever and the skin is pink.

First of all, it is necessary to remove warm clothes from the baby; diapers should not be worn on babies. The child should be drunk, and he should drink as much as possible. Alkaline mineral water is good for older children.

You can do the following:

• wipe the baby with water. Alcohol should not be added to the water, since it dries out the skin and irritates the respiratory tract;
• you can dilute vinegar in water, put a soft towel soaked in this solution on the forehead.

A dry cough in combination with a fever is a sign of serious diseases, which the doctor will help to determine, he will also prescribe adequate treatment.