Should children take anti-inflammatory drugs for cough?

Children with coughs do not necessarily need to take anti-inflammatory drugs. It is necessary to determine the cause of the cough, which may be caused by factors such as colds, allergies, asthma or air quality. The treatment methods will be different for different causes.

1. Cough caused by cold: In most cases, children's cough is caused by the common cold. In this case, anti-inflammatory drugs are ineffective against viruses. You can choose to drink more water, keep the air moist, and take proper rest to relieve the symptoms. If necessary, you can use cold medicine under the guidance of a doctor to relieve the child's discomfort.

2. Cough caused by allergies or asthma: If your child's cough is accompanied by nasal itching, runny nose or rash, it may be caused by allergies. At this time, you should avoid contact with allergens and consider using anti-allergic drugs. In the case of acute asthma attacks, the use of bronchodilators may be more effective. Long-term management of asthma may require drugs such as inhaled steroids.

3. Air factors: Indoor air pollution or dry air can irritate the respiratory tract and cause or aggravate coughing. It is very important to keep the indoor air fresh and moderately humid. Using an air purifier or humidifier can help.

4. Cough caused by bacterial infection: When the doctor confirms that it is indeed caused by bacterial infection, such as pneumonia, then it is necessary to use anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics. For example, antibiotics such as amoxicillin, azithromycin or cephalexin can only be used under the guidance of a doctor.

Whether children need to take anti-inflammatory drugs for cough depends on the symptoms and the professional judgment of the doctor. Parents should avoid giving their children antibiotics on their own, as improper use may have adverse effects on their children's health. For coughs that last too long or have severe symptoms, children should be taken to the doctor in time to seek the help of professional doctors for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.