How to treat a wet cough in a child: safe ways. How to treat a wet cough in a child

This condition is based on the cough reflex. Irritation of bronchial receptors by sputum triggers a complex mechanism.

Receptors transmit an impulse to the medulla oblongata, where the respiratory center is located → intercostal muscles and the diaphragm contract → there is a sharp opening of the glottis → forced expiration → removal of mucous and other contents from the bronchi and lungs.

Under what conditions is there a wet cough in a child?

viral respiratory diseases;
allergies (bronchial asthma, bronchitis);
pneumonia and bronchitis;
abscesses and bronchiectasis of the lung;
congenital diseases (cystic fibrosis, Kartegener's disease);
tuberculosis.

The glands in the bronchial mucosa during inflammation and in interaction with other irritants work in an enhanced mode.

The rheological properties of bronchial secretions are disturbed. It becomes thick, which affects the mucociliary clearance - the excretion of mucous contents by the ciliated epithelium of the bronchi. Stagnation of fluid contributes to the formation of inflammatory foci.

According to the nature of the sputum you can determine the cause of the cough:

purulent → abscess or bronchiectasis in the lung;
bloody → tuberculosis or cardiovascular insufficiency;
viscous → bronchial asthma;
watery → viral infection;
rusty color → pneumococcal pneumonia.

Possible Causes of a Wet Cough in a Baby

Coughing at such an early age always scares parents. But often there is no reason to panic.

In infants, coughing occurs due to insufficient development of the muscles of the esophagus and stomach. The contents of the stomach are thrown into the esophagus and partially aspirated (inhaled), a cough appears. This condition is called gastroesophageal reflux.
A wet, infrequent cough is noted in infants during teething due to profuse salivation.
There is a cough with much crying, with copious discharge from the nose.
When choking on milk during feeding.

All these conditions do not pose a danger to the child and pass on their own. Therefore, it is believed that a wet cough in infants without fever up to 15 times a day is the norm.

Cough is a symptom of a disease.

Requires immediate treatment if:

dyspnea;
decreased appetite;
heat;
bouts of sudden coughing;
wheezing;
discoloration of sputum, the presence of streaks of blood.

If you experience one or more of the above symptoms, you should consult your doctor. Only a doctor will be able to assess the condition of the child, make the correct diagnosis and prescribe the necessary treatment.

Etiotropic therapy

It is aimed at eliminating the cause of a wet cough.

for colds, as well as for inflammatory processes in the bronchi and lungs, antiviral agents and antibiotics are prescribed;
bronchial asthma is treated with bronchodilators and hormones;
allergies require antihistamines;
tuberculosis is cured by specific antibiotic therapy.

Plentiful drink. Helps reduce intoxication, liquefies a viscous secret in the bronchi.

It is necessary to constantly offer the child water. Warm, plentiful drink can consist of fruit drinks, compotes, herbal tea.

Babies who are breastfed should be breastfed more often.

Mucolytics. Liquefies the mucous contents of the bronchi and contributes to its removal to the outside. These drugs increase the amount of secretion, so they are chosen for a wet, unproductive cough. These include preparations containing the following active substances in their composition: acetylcysteine, ambroxol, carbocysteine, trypsin, chymotrypsin. The last two are proteolytic enzymes and are used in cystic fibrosis. Let's describe the first three components:

- acetylcysteine(ACC, Fluimucil, Acestad) breaks mucopolysaccharide bonds, promotes the discharge of bronchial secretions. It is not prescribed for babies, as well as for bronchial obstruction. The duration of admission is not more than 10 days. Suppresses the action of antibiotics, so taking with an interval of at least 2 hours between them;
- carbocysteine(Flyuditek, Mukosol). The principle of action is similar to that of acetylcysteine, but, unlike it, does not cause bronchospasm and can be used in infants;
- ambroxol(Ambrobene, Lazolvan, Flavomed) dilutes a viscous secret, activates the action of the ciliated epithelium, stimulates the production of surfactant. It interacts well with other drugs. It is the best remedy for prescribing babies from the first weeks of life.

Expectorants. Are divided into:

reflex (based on vegetable raw materials);
resorptive (synthetic drugs).

Reflex irritate the gastric mucosa and the vomiting center, so there is increased salivation and an increase in the secretion of bronchial fluid. The most popular drugs: Mukaltin, licorice root, breast collection, Herbion, Gedelix, Alteyka.

Herbal remedies are dangerous to prescribe up to 5 years due to the frequent broncho-obstructive syndrome that develops against the background of their intake. Possible allergies must be taken into account.

Resorptive drugs (sodium bicarbonate, potassium iodide, and others) also thin the thick secretion by increasing the volume of fluid in the bronchi. In children's practice are not used.

Combined drugs. In its composition have several substances with different actions.

Ascoril (mucolytic, bronchodilator, expectorant effects). A very good drug, prescribed from 2 years old;
Broncholitin (antitussive, anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator). With a wet cough, it is undesirable to use.

It must be remembered that with a wet cough, antitussive drugs should not be used. This will not help cure the child, but will only contribute to an even greater stagnation of sputum in the bronchi and lungs, the so-called "swamping syndrome".

Other drugs.

Erespal contains the active substance fenspiride. Acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, relieves bronchial obstruction. From 2 years;

Sinupret based on medicinal herbs. It has expectorant, mucolytic and anti-inflammatory properties. From 2 years old.

Physiotherapy

For the treatment of cough use:

inhalation:
- steam with eucalyptus, sage or chamomile;
- through a nebulizer with saline, Lazolvan, Berodual or Pulmicort;
medicinal electrophoresis with absorbable preparations;
SMT on the chest to improve drainage;
UHF therapy (in the subacute phase with pneumonia).

Massage and gymnastics

These procedures are necessary in the treatment of wet cough, especially in newborns and children under one year old.

cough with sputum in infants often leads to pneumonia. At this age, the child is not able to get rid of exudate in the lungs by coughing. For this, the baby is placed in a special drainage position so that the butt is higher and the head is lower. In this position, lightly pat the back from the waist to the neck, alternate vibration with stroking and rubbing;
an older child is also given chest drainage massage, supplementing it with special breathing exercises.

After drinking a course of expectorants and other cough medicines, the child will cough for some more time.

It is not necessary to feed him with syrups and tablets if the general state of health has already improved. The cough will go away by itself, you just need to actively move.

The task of parents is to create terms for a speedy recovery:

it is necessary to monitor the humidity in the room, ventilate more often;
regularly do wet cleaning;
strengthen immunity by hardening and moderate physical activity;
The child should eat right and regularly be in the fresh air.

If the crumbs have a cough, you do not need to self-medicate. Seek help from a doctor. Only a doctor can prescribe the correct drug.

With such a symptom as a cough, every person faces. This is especially true in the autumn-winter period of time, because cough most often indicates a respiratory tract infection in acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections. This is a protective function of the respiratory system, which helps to cleanse the respiratory tract from foreign bodies, mucus, sputum, microbes. Depending on the productivity of the cough, there are:

dry cough (without sputum discharge);
wet cough (with phlegm).

The treatment of these two types of cough should be taken seriously, taking into account individual characteristics, as these can be symptoms of various diseases, SARS, allergies, tuberculosis, and oncological neoplasms. Successful and quick recovery directly depends on a thorough diagnosis and timely prescribed adequate treatment. Let us focus on the methods of diagnosis and treatment of such a disease as a wet cough in a child.

Causes of wet cough

The most common cause of a wet cough in a child may be:

acute respiratory viral infections of the respiratory system (laryngitis, tracheitis, obstructive bronchitis);
an allergic reaction, which is characterized by the absence of temperature (bronchial asthma);
pneumonia;
inflammatory diseases of the nasal passages, accompanied by abundant secretion of mucus;
as a complication of gastroesophageal reflux;
congenital pathology (cystic fibrosis, Kartagener's syndrome).

In infants, a wet cough is often caused by insufficient muscle development.

In infants and children in their first year of life, a wet cough may be associated with underdevelopment of the muscles of the esophagus and stomach, as well as with the eruption of the first teeth. In these cases, do not panic and go to extremes, all these problems will disappear with the growing up of the child. By itself, a wet cough in a child is not dangerous, but the symptoms accompanying a cough should alert parents:

prolonged and sudden;
high fever that lasts longer than 3 days;
the presence of wheezing;
chest pain;
lack of appetite in the baby;
an admixture of pus and blood in the sputum.

Mechanism of wet cough

The mucous membrane of the respiratory tract is lined with glandular cells that are capable of producing mucus. According to its structure, mucus can be serous, purulent, bloody. During inflammatory processes in the respiratory organs, the amount of secreted mucus increases significantly, it acts as an irritant, causing a response in the body in the form of a cough.

Treatment of cough with sputum

Medical treatment consists in the use of pharmaceutical preparations

Contributing to the discharge and excretion of sputum in a child (mucolytics and expectorants) of synthetic and vegetable origin:

syrups "Doctor Mom", "Alteika", "Prospan", "Pectusin", "Bronhikum" - herbal preparations
"Mukaltin", "Ambroxol", "Lazolvan" - synthetic drugs

Mucus thinners:

carbocysteine
acetylcysteine
preparations containing soda, dry cough mixture

Relieving spasm, increasing the lumen of the bronchi:

salbutamol
bronchocin
papaverine

Physiotherapy treatment

Folk remedies

Plentiful warm drink in the form of compotes, teas, rosehip infusion, fruit drinks;
Warm alkaline drink (mineral water like "Borjomi" or "Polyana Kvasova");
The use of warm milk diluted with alkaline mineral water in a ratio of 1:3;
Drink instead of tea, decoctions of medicinal herbs (coltsfoot, elderberry and linden blossom, sage, chamomile);
Homemade cough syrup: finely chop 1 white onion, mix with 2 tbsp honey, 1 tsp. lemon juice, let it brew overnight and drink the resulting juice over the next day;
An equally effective remedy for coughing will be a syrup made from viburnum berries with sugar. Such a tasty and varied treatment will satisfy any child.

It is forbidden to give antitussive drugs to children, if there are moist rales with sputum in the bronchi and lungs. Because instead of benefit, you can cause irreparable harm to the health of the baby. The fact is that with a long retention of mucus in the respiratory tract, it becomes a breeding ground for many bacteria and can have complications in the form of pneumonia, lung abscess, respiratory failure.

To prevent coughing up phlegm from bothering you and your child, you need to follow some preventive measures:

Properly organized daily routine;
Walks in the fresh air in any weather;
hardening;
Personal hygiene of the child;
In the season of colds, enhanced personal hygiene, washing the nasal passages with water and sea salt;
The use of vitamin therapy and antiviral drugs as needed;
Organize daily wet cleaning with ventilation in the room.

If the child has a cough, dry or with phlegm, it is necessary to see a doctor, take blood and urine tests, and if necessary, do cultures with sputum for bacteria and sensitivity to antibiotics in order to receive adequate treatment.

Remember! A quick recovery depends on the correct diagnosis and timely treatment.

How to quickly cure a wet cough in a child?

A child can often have a wet cough, it most often begins to disturb in the fall or winter, because it accompanies all diseases of the respiratory system that occur with acute respiratory infections, viral infections. It is a reliable protection, with the help of it you can clear the respiratory system of sputum, remove pathogenic microflora. At first, the child is characterized by a dry cough, it gradually develops into a wet one.

It is necessary to immediately treat this type of cough, while not forgetting to take into account individual characteristics, because it accompanies diseases such as tuberculosis, malignant tumors, allergic reactions, viral and respiratory infections.

Causes of a wet cough in a child

1. Due to tracheitis, laryngitis, obstructive bronchitis.

2. Allergic wet cough is especially dangerous, it leads to bronchial asthma.

3. Due to the inflammatory process in the pulmonary system.

4. Wet cough is a consequence of inflammation in the nose, with which a large amount of mucus is released from the nose.

5. With gastroesophageal reflux.

6. In cases of congenital pathological processes - cystic fibrosis.

7. In newborns, coughing can be triggered by the fact that their muscles have not yet fully developed.

8. In children of one year, a wet cough appears due to the fact that the esophageal and gastric muscles are not developed, it can also appear against the background of teething.

When is a wet cough dangerous for a child?

1. If it suddenly arises and lasts a long time.

2. When coughing raises body temperature, it lasts more than three days.

3. If wheezing is heard.

4. Pain in the chest area.

5. The baby refuses to eat.

6. When pus and blood appear in the sputum.

How does a wet cough occur in a child?

Glandular cells appear on the mucous membrane in the respiratory tract, because of them a large amount of mucus appears, it can be serous, purulent and bloody. With an inflammatory process in the respiratory organs, mucus can increase, it is a strong irritant, so a cough appears.

Methods for treating cough with sputum

It is very important for a child to use pharmaceutical preparations, with the help of their sputum will quickly go away and come out, such are mucolytics. Also, the pediatrician often prescribes such syrups for the child as "Pectusin", "Doctor Mom", "Bronhikum", "Alteika", they are of plant origin. But they must be treated with extreme caution, often because of them there are various allergic reactions. Synthetic drugs include "Ambroxol", "Mukaltin", "Lazolvan" they effectively treat a cough in a child.

You can liquefy sputum with acetylcysteine, carbocysteine, and dry cough medicine. You can get rid of bronchial spasm with the help of bronchocin, salbutamol, papaverine.

Physiotherapy procedures for the treatment of wet cough in a child

1. With the help of inhalation, a painful cough can be relieved, inhalations with the use of essential eucalyptus oil, pine oil are especially useful. They will help to cure a cough inhalation, which are carried out by a nebulizer. It is also recommended to use herbal decoctions, Essentuki mineral water, ACC.

Applications with paraffin, ozocerite will help improve blood circulation, with the help of them you can stop the inflammatory process. When the body temperature does not rise more than 37 degrees, you can use an application from potatoes, mustard plaster, with the help of them, sputum is removed faster.

2. Treatment of wet cough with UHF, ultrasound, they act deeply on the respiratory system.

3. Special gymnastics for the respiratory organs, as well as massage in the form of vibration, are excellent for the child. All this can be done at home. Breathing exercises are best done in the form of a game, for example, arrange a competition to see who inflates balloons faster. Such a game is also effective, take a cocktail tube and you need to rinse air through it into a glass. Vibration massage is easy to do if you know the nursery rhyme "Rails, rails."

Folk methods for the treatment of wet cough in a child

1. Drink as much liquid as possible - tea, rosehip broth, fruit drink, compote.

2. Drink warm alkaline water - Polyana Kvasova, Essentuki.

3. Warm milk with Borjomi mineral water helps a lot.

4. Use decoctions from the color of elderberry, coltsfoot, chamomile, linden decoctions, sage herb perfectly relieves cough.

5. Can be cured with this recipe, for this you need to chop one onion, add two tablespoons of honey, lemon juice, insist, drink the next day.

6. Viburnum-sugar cough syrup helps a lot, the child will drink it with pleasure.

In no case should drugs be used if wheezing is heard in the pulmonary and bronchial systems. So you can harm the child even more, so a large number of bacteria can begin to develop in it, there may be such a complication as tonsillitis, respiratory failure, lung abscess.

Prevention of wet cough in a child

1. The child must have a certain daily routine, which he must adhere to.

2. Constantly walk on the street, in different weather.

3. Harden the child.

4. Teach your child to follow the rules of hygiene.

5. In the season of epidemics, it is necessary to constantly rinse the nose with a solution of sea salt.

6. If there is a need to take vitamins, antiviral drugs.

7. Every day you must ventilate the room, humidify the air in it.

8. When a child has a wet cough, you should immediately consult with your doctor, you may need to take urine and blood tests. It is obligatory to sow sputum for bacterial microflora in order to check what level of sensitivity the child has to various antibacterial drugs. So the doctor can prescribe an effective treatment.

Thus, a wet cough in a child requires a mandatory examination and control of a doctor, in no case should it be started.

Cough is one of the defense mechanisms of the human body. It can be dry, or unproductive, and productive, or wet, with phlegm. Cough with sputum difficult to separate in most cases indicates damage to the bronchi or lungs. When such a symptom appears, you should definitely visit a doctor and establish its causes. During the examination, the specialist collects an anamnesis, finds out the time and circumstances of the onset of cough, and also draws attention to the type, color and amount of sputum secreted. According to the results of the research, the doctor makes a diagnosis and determines the required treatment.

Viscous sputum difficult to separate - a sign of what?

Sputum is always secreted from a person. In the normal state, its amount is not large. This secret has bactericidal properties, destroying pathogenic microorganisms. Phlegm also removes dust particles, dead skin cells and other substances that have entered the human respiratory system. Mucus, with the help of cilia of the epithelial layer and exhalation energy, rises to the larynx and is swallowed by a person. This process goes unnoticed for him.

However, with inflammation, exposure to allergens, irritants or viruses, the composition, quantity, color and properties of sputum change, and the process of its excretion is also disrupted. As a result, it stagnates in the bronchi, becoming a habitat for microorganisms.

The appearance of sputum can be associated with various diseases. So, viscous, difficult-to-separate sputum often becomes a sign of bronchial asthma, obstructive bronchitis, or a mucopurulent form of cystic fibrosis. In the latter case, the secret is the most viscous. To alleviate the patient's condition and remove stagnant mucus, various medications and folk remedies, as well as treatment methods, are used.

The causes of dry cough with sputum difficult to separate can lie in inflammatory diseases of the respiratory organs (larynx, bronchi, lungs and others), in the appearance of neoplasms, as well as in allergic reactions. Inflammatory diseases of the larynx can be expressed in a dry barking cough, hoarseness, and a small amount of thick sputum may be released, as a rule, after nocturnal coughing. Such attacks in children can lead to the development of a false croup, which is a health hazard, as it can lead to suffocation and respiratory failure.

In some cases, a dry, agonizing cough can occur when foreign objects, small particles of food or dust enter the respiratory system. Another cause of a strong dry cough with viscous sputum can be the inhalation of vapors of various chemicals, cosmetics or perfumes, and other things. Similar symptoms are often observed in heavy smokers.

Paroxysmal cough with sputum difficult to separate

The causes of paroxysmal cough with sputum difficult to separate can be: pneumonia, bronchial asthma, whooping cough, tuberculosis and other pathologies.

Paroxysmal cough of a spasmodic nature may indicate bronchial asthma. Most often, with this disease, an attack begins at night or in the evening. The occurrence of an attack is associated with exposure to an allergen. In addition to a strong cough, there may be choking, as well as pain in the abdomen or chest. The duration of the attack may be different, but usually it lasts no more than an hour, after which the patient has a discharge of dark sputum.

Whooping cough is another common cause of whooping cough. The onset of this disease is similar to the common cold, however, then the runny nose and fever disappear, and coughing attacks noticeably intensify, becoming painful. Medications used to treat the common cold are ineffective for whooping cough. Without proper treatment, the disease can persist for up to two months or more, it should be treated in a hospital under the supervision of specialists.

In some cases, the appearance of a paroxysmal cough indicates the development of complications of the flu or a cold and damage to the respiratory system. Coughing fits can occur with bronchitis, pneumonia, tracheitis, laryngitis and other diseases. At the same time, sputum is difficult to separate and practically does not depart. In addition to these symptoms, the patient may experience: headache, fever, change in voice timbre, weakness, runny nose. If treatment is started in a timely manner and in full, then after a couple of days the sputum becomes thinner and begins to move away. After that, the patient begins to improve. With improper treatment or the absence of his illness can become chronic.

Cough with sputum difficult to separate: treatment

The main emphasis in the treatment of cough with sputum difficult to separate is on identifying and eliminating the factors that caused it. For this, a medical examination is carried out and a number of tests are done. Treatment in any case is prescribed complex. It usually includes drugs that facilitate sputum discharge. These include ACC, Lazolvan, Bromhexine, Ambrogesal and others. In addition to taking medications, patients are often prescribed inhalations, warming up and other procedures.

Cough preparations with sputum difficult to separate

For the treatment of cough with sputum difficult to separate, drugs are used whose active substance is carbocysteine, ambroxol, acetylcysteine or bromhexine.

Acetylcysteine is the sodium salt. When using the product with this substance, sputum is thinned, its viscosity decreases, while increasing its volume. In addition, being transformed in the body, acetylcysteine forms an active metabolite, which is a powerful antioxidant. Due to this, the drug with this substance also has an anti-inflammatory effect. Acetylcysteine-based products include Acestine, Mukobene, ACC and others. All these medicines should not be taken by people with hypertension, adrenal pathologies, peptic ulcers and blood in the sputum.

Carbocysteine belongs to the group of secretolytics, it stimulates contractions of the respiratory muscles. This substance is contained in Bronchocode, Mucodin, Bronkatar, Mukosol and other preparations. All means with it make sputum less viscous and improve the condition of the mucous tissues of the respiratory system. However, they have contraindications such as pregnancy, inflammatory diseases of the kidneys, digestive system or bladder.

In the treatment of diseases accompanied by abundant sputum, preparations based on ambroxol or bromhexine are used. The first group includes: Lasolvan, Brontex, Flavamed, Ambrobene and others, and the second - Bronchosan, Mugocil, Bromhexine, Bisolvon and others. Both groups have similar indications and contraindications, as well as the mechanism of action and possible side effects. Such drugs help to thin and remove sputum. Contraindications for these medications include peptic ulcer disease and the first trimester of pregnancy.

In addition, other medicines may be used to treat cough with sputum that is difficult to cough up. Mukaltin lozenges, made on the basis of marshmallow root extract, are widely known. Pectusin and Bronchicum syrups are also used, which are also made on the basis of plant components.

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine offers many different recipes for the treatment of cough with sputum that is difficult to expel. When using such folk remedies, the viscosity of sputum decreases, and it is easier to remove from the bronchi.

A decoction of figs. A tablespoon of dried and chopped figs should be poured with a glass of boiling water, and then simmered for about a quarter of an hour. The resulting broth is cooled, filtered and taken after meals 4-5 times a day, while a little lemon juice can be added to the product.
Radish with milk and honey. 100 ml radish juice is mixed with a cup of milk and a spoonful of honey, preferably lime. The mixture is slightly warmed up and thoroughly mixed. It should be taken in a large spoonful several times a day.
Lemon juice with horseradish and honey. Juice is squeezed out of one lemon fruit, it is mixed with the same amount of liquefied honey and gruel from grated horseradish root. The product is stored in the refrigerator and drunk on a large spoon before meals.
Rubbing. To facilitate breathing and better sputum discharge, rubbing the chest and back area with turpentine ointment or alcohol-based products can be carried out. This procedure is best done before bed.
Milk with honey. A mug of milk must be boiled, and then cooled to about 45 degrees. Then a large spoonful of honey and a small lump of propolis are added there. Means drink before going to bed in small sips.
Not bad help in the treatment of cough infusions of hawthorn, marshmallow root, elecampane, licorice root and other medicinal plants.

However, before starting treatment with home remedies, it is worth visiting a doctor, finding out the causes of a cough with sputum that is difficult to separate, and discussing a course of treatment with him.

Cough is one of the most common manifestations of a cold in a child. Children are often exposed to it because their immune systems do not yet have sufficient resistance to infection. When coughing, the infection that caused the disease is removed from the child's body, as well as everything unnecessary that could get into his lungs. However, there are situations in which it is necessary to take the necessary measures to correct them. This applies to cases when the cough is prolonged and its attacks become an obstacle to the child's sleep. At the same time, complications are possible in the bronchi of the child and his lungs in the event that it is not possible to remove sputum from the lungs and throat in time.

There are dry cough and cough with sputum, also called productive.

How to remove phlegm from the bronchi in a child

Phlegm production is a completely normal response to inflammation in the respiratory organs and is common to people of all ages. The mucous secretion of the bronchial cavity is an obstacle to various bacteria and viruses when they enter the body. The normal state of affairs is the activation of the process of sputum production with the active functioning of epithelial cilia covering the inner surface of the bronchi. In this case, the mucus is brought out and does not stagnate.

Phlegm from the bronchi of a child can be removed with milk with garlic. To do this, it is enough to drink milk without any additives, just slightly warmed up. When used together with milk of garlic mashed in it, the effectiveness of the product increases significantly.

In addition, a fairly effective tool is the use of warming inhalations, involving the use of a nebulizer. With its use, direct administration of drugs into the bronchi is ensured. It is best to carry out inhalation when a cough with clear sputum occurs, which occurs without an increase in temperature.

How to remove phlegm from the lungs of a child

With abundant mucus secretion in a child, parents should understand how they should behave. In no case should you expectorate the emerging mucus. You can divert the child's attention with a couple of sugar cubes with drops of mint infusion. You can give the child a lollipop. Mint makes breathing easier and reduces coughing. After that, you can take directly to the removal of sputum from the lungs.

For this, honey is best used in combination with radish and onions. To obtain juice, you need to grate onions and radishes, then squeeze them through a dense layer of gauze. The resulting mixture should be added to honey and taken one teaspoon three times a day before meals. Concentration: 20 grams of the mixture per glass of honey.

You can also add grated figs to hot milk. A glass of funds is given to the child three times a day. Before going to bed, you should drink a glass of boiled water with a couple of drops of iodine.

How to treat phlegm in a child

When treating sputum in a child, one should understand the fact that sputum itself is only a symptom of a cold and it is necessary to treat it. You should clearly follow medical prescriptions, you can only carry out steam inhalation for a child on your own. This should be done for at least a couple of weeks, since often, even after the elimination of the disease, the child continues to cough. It should also be understood that thermal procedures are preferable to medication treatment. The legs of the child and his chest need special exposure to heat. Therefore, it should be constantly kept warm and well dressed.

In addition, a wet cough is beneficial in eliminating sputum and should not be specifically treated. If he is very annoying, you should not give the child any pills, they can be replaced by syrups and candies.

How to remove sputum from a child with folk remedies

There are many traditional medicines that allow you to effectively remove sputum from a child. They are more effective than medical drugs and safer than them, because they do not cause side effects. It is possible to recommend such a solution to the situation. Two tablespoons of honey is mixed with a teaspoon of olive oil, half a banana and three drops of aloe juice. In this case, the banana must first be ground through a sieve, after which it is mixed with all of the listed components. In this case, honey should be preheated to about 40 degrees Celsius. The remedy is taken one tablespoon three times a day. The taste is very pleasant and suitable for any child.

How to remove phlegm from a child with massage

Massage as a way to eliminate sputum in a child is indicated in cases where the child does not have a high temperature. It does not take much time, ten minutes will be enough. Most of all, this procedure is suitable for infants. Before doing it, you need to give the child a remedy to facilitate expectoration. It is recommended to build a massage in the form of a game, then the baby will better accept it.

The entire back of the child is rubbed, from the belt to the shoulders, while reddening of his skin should be achieved. Then the skin should be lightly pinched with your fingers, and then tap the edges of the palm on the back of the child. The massage ends with gentle pats and strokes.

The expectoration of sputum can begin immediately, so you should try to spit it out. After that, the child’s chest is rubbed and again one must try to expectorate sputum. As a result, sputum comes out faster.

How to help cough up phlegm

First of all, you should monitor the level of humidity in the child's room and ventilate it regularly. You can hang towels on batteries in the room to improve his breathing, this helps a lot. If the baby cannot cough up on his own, it is necessary to give him more warm milk to drink, soothing herbal tea with mint and chamomile is also suitable. In addition, regular massage helps.

How to get rid of sputum in a child with medicines

It is not recommended to take medicines for infants, but at the same time, some drugs can be used by everyone. For example, the drug Ambroxol is indicated for admission to children under the age of two years. It comes in the form of a syrup, so it is also recommended for very young children who find it difficult to take pills. Lazolvan is suitable for inhalation, it is also effective in eliminating cough. Bromhexine is also available as a syrup and is a good remedy for a cough with phlegm.

How to remove phlegm from a baby

There are many means for removing sputum from an infant. We can recommend some of them.

Herbal decoctions help well, in particular those prepared from coltsfoot, thyme, St. John's wort. Applying them, you should carefully study the recommendations issued by the manufacturer. It is also necessary to find out exactly whether the child has an individual intolerance to such decoctions.

Effective compresses are prepared from boiled potatoes, with the addition of a few drops of iodine, as well as a certain amount of sunflower oil. They must be wrapped in cloth and applied to the baby's chest. The duration of application is no more than two minutes. At the same time, the child is covered with a blanket, and his chest with a diaper, in order to avoid burns.

You can also put mustard plasters on your child, though not for long and you only need to put them on the chest and calves.

Severe cough with phlegm

When a strong cough with sputum occurs, the first thing to keep in mind: both the cough itself and the significant, unforeseen by the norm, volume of secretions with it are the body's response to the presence of a focus of infection or irritation of the mucous membrane in the respiratory tract.

Causes of a strong cough with phlegm

The most common causes of severe cough with sputum, that is, with pathologically increased formation and secretion of mucous secretion, are diseases such as acute respiratory infections, acute bronchitis, pneumonia, exudative pleurisy and pleural empyema, bronchiectasis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (collectively for chronic bronchitis and emphysema, usually caused by smoking).

For the chronic form of bronchitis, due to the increased formation of mucus in the bronchi, their inflammation and pathological changes in the tissues of the bronchi and lungs, a strong cough with sputum and blood is characteristic, which appears due to damage to the blood vessels located in the mucosa. With an exacerbation of the disease, sputum may contain purulent inclusions. However, doctors warn that the presence of blood in the sputum may indicate pathologies such as bronchiectasis or pulmonary tuberculosis. And if there is a purulent focus (abscess) in the lungs, when it breaks through and pus enters the bronchi, the sputum that is coughed up will have a characteristic putrid odor and a greenish color.

In addition to shortness of breath, wheezing and bouts of weakening of the respiratory function of the bronchi, a strong cough with sputum (often at night) accompanies bronchial asthma associated with the reaction of the respiratory tract to allergens.

With pulmonary edema, an intense productive cough is also observed. Moreover, with a pulmonary etiology of this condition, after coughing, a person becomes easier. And when the swelling of the lung tissue is caused by left-sided heart failure with blood stasis in the pulmonary circulation, coughing does not bring relief, and in severe cases, sputum is colored pink.

Also, a strong cough with sputum discharge is among the symptoms of cystic fibrosis, an incurable genetically determined disease that affects the mucus-producing organs. A symptom of the respiratory form of this disease is an intense paroxysmal cough with mucopurulent sputum.

Severe cough with sputum

Sputum is a secretion that is formed in the trachea and in the bronchi. They are produced by special glands in the tracheobronchial walls in conjunction with goblet cell structures. Such secretions are also characteristic of healthy people, but in much smaller quantities. A healthy secret has bactericidal abilities and serves as a natural prevention of many respiratory diseases. Normally, mucus helps to remove toxic products from the respiratory tract, exfoliated epithelial cells and dust particles that enter the respiratory system during inhalation. The mucous secretion is brought out progressively towards the larynx with the help of the ciliated epithelium and the exhaled air flow. The function of the cilia may depend on temperature indicators, on the acidity of the environment, and the mucus output may depend on the density and properties of the secret.

A strong cough with sputum that is difficult to separate is characteristic of bronchial asthma (with sputum without impurities, vitreous), for obstructive bronchitis or cystic fibrosis (purulent-mucous sputum). The heaviest excretion of sputum is observed in pulmonary cystic fibrosis.

Severe coughing up sputum with small amounts of blood may mean that a small blood vessel in the airway burst during an attack. However, such a symptom may be a sign of congestion in the lungs, infectious inflammation such as pneumonia or tuberculosis, the presence of a neoplasm in the lungs. If the patient does not make serious complaints, and blood in the sputum is not a constant symptom, then, as a rule, there is no cause for concern. However, the repetition of discharge with blood, as well as the addition of other signs of disease, may indicate a serious pathology. What should be of concern:

increase in body temperature;
persistent persistent cough that does not respond to conventional treatment;
regular appearance of impurities in mucous secretions;
increased sweating;
the appearance in the lungs of various wheezing, whistles, bubbling sounds.

If these signs appear, you should immediately contact the appropriate medical specialist - a general practitioner or pulmonologist.

Who to contact?

Pulmonologist

Diagnosis of severe cough with sputum

The wording "symptoms of a severe cough with phlegm" is not entirely correct from a medical point of view, since the cough itself - slight or severe, dry or with phlegm - is a symptom. The symptoms of a severe cough with sputum, in combination with other signs and taking into account the nature of the sputum coughed up, allow doctors to make a diagnosis.

So, with bronchitis and pneumonia, the sputum is first mucous, and then mucopurulent (with lobar pneumonia - the color of rust); with bronchial asthma, thick mucous sputum is coughed up, usually without a specific color. If the consistency of the coughed up secret is liquid and foam forms, then with a high degree of probability this is due to swelling of the lung tissue. Sputum with blood has already been mentioned above.

Diagnosis of a severe cough with sputum - determining the cause of its occurrence - includes a mandatory general and biochemical blood test, as well as a study of blood serum for tuberculosis, antigens, eosinophils, mycoplasma. It is mandatory to conduct a sputum examination for microflora.

The diagnostic standard is the use of an X-ray method for examining the chest organs in patients with complaints of a strong cough with sputum production, as well as an electrocardiogram. To determine the functional level of the respiratory system, spirometry is indispensable, and in order to examine the condition of the bronchi, the method of bronchography is used - fluoroscopy of the bronchi with a contrast agent. If necessary, endoscopic examination of the bronchi (bronchoscopy), ultrasound and computed tomography of the bronchi and lungs are performed.

Treatment of severe cough with phlegm

In practice, the treatment of severe cough with sputum means symptomatic therapy aimed at reducing the viscosity of sputum and facilitating its removal from the respiratory tract. For this, drugs with an expectorant effect are used.

Acetylcysteine (Acestin, ACC, Fluimucil, Tussik, Mukobene, Mukoneks, etc.) - adults and children over 14 years old, 0.2 g 3 times a day. ACC effervescent tablets - 1-2 pieces twice a day. Tussik (20% solution) is intended for inhalation - 2-5 ml per procedure, which is recommended for a quarter of an hour up to four times a day.

Bromhexine chloride (Bromhexine, Bisolvon, Mugocil, Mukovin, Solvin, etc.) in tablets of 8 mg - adults and children over 14 years old, 1-2 tablets three times a day; children 6-14 years old - one tablet three times a day, 3-6 years old - 4 mg three times a day. There is a solution for inhalation, which should be carried out twice a day: adults - 4 ml, children 10 years and older - 2 ml, 6-10 years - 1 ml, 2-6 years - 10 drops, under 2 years - 5 drops per procedure.

Mucolytic drug Ambroxol hydrochloride (Ambroxol, Ambrohexal, Lazolvan, Bronchopront, Mucosan, Mucovent, etc.) - adults and children over 12 years old, one tablet 2-3 times a day, after meals; in the form of syrup - 10 ml 3 times a day. For children 6-12 years old, the dose is reduced by half, 2-5 years old - a quarter of the adult dose twice a day. Ambroxol hydrochloride-based preparations should not be used in pregnant women in the first trimester. This remedy can cause dry mouth, heartburn, pain in the stomach, and nausea. It should also be borne in mind that all preparations containing this active substance increase the absorption of antibacterial agents from the bronchial mucosa.

Mukaltin tablets are prescribed 0.05-0.1 g 2-3 times a day (before meals); Terpinhydrate tablets - 0.25-0.5 g three times a day. Potassium iodide (1-3% solution of potassium iodide) to thin sputum, doctors recommend taking two tablespoons 3-4 times a day. This drug is contraindicated in pulmonary tuberculosis.

In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchial asthma, a severe cough with sputum is treated with the help of inhalations with drugs from the group of m-cholinergic receptor blockers, which dilate the bronchi and reduce mucus production. For example, Atrovent (an aerosol with the active ingredient ipratropium bromide) is prescribed 3-4 inhalations per day.

In cystic fibrosis, bronchial drainage, inhalations with corticosteroids, and taking drugs, for example, Pulmozyme in the form of daily inhalations (using a nebulizer) are prescribed - 2.5 mg once a day.

A strong cough with sputum production can also be treated with traditional chest preparations with medicinal plants such as licorice root, marshmallow root, oregano and coltsfoot grass, large plantain (leaves), black elderberry (flowers): a tablespoon of dry collection in a glass of boiling water. Insist for 1-1.5 hours and take 3-4 tablespoons after meals several times a day. Steam inhalation with a decoction of eucalyptus leaves, sage, peppermint (50 g per glass of boiling water) or eucalyptus oil (4-5 drops per 200 ml of water) also contributes to expectoration of sputum.

Patients with chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease need functional treatment in sanatorium conditions using aero and barotherapy, breathing exercises, postural drainage of the respiratory organs, chest massage, etc.

Herbs for a strong cough with phlegm

Expectorant medicines of reflex action can be collections of medicinal herbs and extracts from them. Such drugs increase and activate the release of mucous secretions from the trachea and bronchi. The medicinal group of herbal preparations is quite extensive, because many medicinal herbs have expectorant abilities. Known medicines based on licorice, thyme, thyme, marshmallow, pine buds, coltsfoot, elecampane, thermopsis, oregano, anise, sundew, plantain, ledum, violet, etc.

Plants and extracts from them are used as part of various breast preparations and mixtures, as well as potions, tablets, syrups.

The Doctor Mom remedy can be represented by tablets, lozenges or syrup based on elecampane, aloe, basil, pepper, ginger root, turmeric, licorice, nightshade. It is a combined anti-inflammatory and expectorant drug, bronchodilator, secretolytic. Pastilles and tablets are used from the age of 14, and syrup - to children from the age of three. Young children drink this syrup with pleasure, as it comes in a variety of attractive fruit and berry flavors.
Mukaltin is nothing more than an extract from the Althea plant. This drug has long been known for its anti-inflammatory and expectorant action, in addition, mukaltin enhances the peristaltic movements of the bronchioles and stimulates the secretory activity of the bronchi. In addition to marshmallow, the tablets contain baking soda, which thins the mucus and increases the amount of secretions.
Thermopsis - is part of the long-known "cough pills". These tablets are devoid of any additional harmful substances, as they contain only thermopsis and baking soda - the leading expectorant in traditional medicine.
Other herbal expectorants - these include more expensive foreign drugs. These are drugs such as bronchicum, eucabal, gedelix. Such medicines are prepared on the basis of the herbs listed above and have a similar composition with similar domestic preparations.

Herbs for coughing help not only improve the patient's condition, but also support his immunity. So the body will be easier to cope with the disease. The main thing is to remember that a strong cough with sputum must be treated as quickly as possible, without waiting for self-healing. If everything is done correctly, that is, to carry out competent and timely treatment, then recovery will come soon and without negative consequences.

Prevention and prognosis of severe cough with sputum

Prevention of a strong cough with sputum is the prevention of any diseases of the upper respiratory tract, and if they occur, adequate treatment so that a common, at first glance, cold does not turn into bronchitis or pneumonia.

It is impossible to do without observing the rules of personal hygiene, without proper care of residential and industrial premises, since the infection and air polluted with harmful substances enter the body in the process of inhalation.

In order not to develop chronic bronchitis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, you should, first of all, stop smoking. It is also necessary to observe all the precautions provided for when working in conditions of hazardous production: with increased dust content of the air with coal, cement, asbestos, flour dust, as well as gas contamination with ammonia, chlorine, etc. It is necessary to undergo fluorography once a year - for the timely detection of changes in the lungs associated with tuberculosis.

No matter how trite it may seem, but a healthy lifestyle - a sufficient amount of vitamins in food (in winter - the use of vitamin complexes), physical education, outdoor recreation, giving up bad habits are the most affordable measures for everyone to prevent diseases accompanied by a strong cough with expectoration of sputum.

The prognosis of a severe cough with sputum - with timely and proper treatment of acute bronchitis or pneumonia - is absolutely positive. What can not be said about the protracted infectious lesions of the respiratory system, which result in a chronicle.

According to medical statistics, almost 5% of adults in Ukraine have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and contributes to the disability of the population. And according to WHO, from 1979 to 2009, mortality due to this disease on a global scale increased by more than 160%.

If you or your loved ones have a severe cough with phlegm that does not go away for a month or more, please contact a pulmonologist or a general practitioner.

A strong wet cough in a child is a protective mechanism of the body that occurs when there are irritants in the airways in order to cleanse them. Irritants can be physical and chemical: dust, smoke, foreign bodies, toxins, bacteria.

A distinctive feature of a wet cough is the secretion of specific mucus - sputum. An occasional cough is normal. With his help, the mucus accumulated in the larynx comes out.

Even absolutely healthy children can cough about 15 times a day, eliminating microparticles from the organs of the respiratory system. Most often this happens in the morning hours. In infants, coughing may be triggered by milk, nasal mucus, or tears entering the respiratory tract. The cause of a wet cough can also be increased salivation during teething.

What should parents worry about?

Reasons for reasonable concern may include the following:

Sudden long bout of coughing
Accompanying a wet cough with shortness of breath
Loss of appetite
High temperature that does not subside during the day
The presence of wheezing when coughing
Greenish sputum
The presence of traces of blood in the secretions
Pain in the chest
Wet cough lasts weeks, sometimes months

In the presence of one or more of these symptoms, we can talk about pathologies of the respiratory organs that require medical attention.

As a result of what diseases does a wet cough occur in a child?

The most common wet cough occurs with the following diseases:

Upper respiratory tract infections
Pneumonia in remission
Bronchial asthma
Obstructive bronchitis
Allergic conditions
lung abscess
Runny nose (also allergic)
Tuberculosis

You can diagnose the disease depending on the characteristics of the discharge:

with tracheitis and bronchitis, sputum is abundant;
watery discharge indicates the presence of inflammatory processes in the respiratory tract;
rusty coloration is present in pneumonia;
pus in the discharge indicates a lung abscess or bronchiectasis;
bronchial asthma is accompanied by the release of vitreous viscous sputum;
blood impurities are evidence of the presence of tuberculosis or heart failure.

Video attachment to the article

How to soothe your child's cough with massage? In the video, the doctor shares tips from traditional medicine and massage to treat coughs.

With the onset of autumn, when children start going to kindergarten and school, the season of colds and infections opens. Cold air, damp weather, a large number of children in the team are the main causes of illness.

Almost every ARVI or acute respiratory disease is accompanied by a symptom such as coughing. The dry type of cough occurs at the initial stage of the disease and gradually turns into a wet form with sputum.

In many cases, a wet cough does not need therapy, but there are situations when medication is necessary. Taking medicines without a prescription leads to a deterioration in the well-being of the child. How to treat a wet cough in a child will be decided by a specialist after examining and determining the causes of the disease.

Features of wet cough

The respiratory tract of even a healthy person contains some mucous secretions, most of which is produced in the bronchi. During illness, the amount of sputum increases, the viscosity increases, which leads to the formation of a wet cough. With respiratory diseases of the upper respiratory tract, a wet cough occurs due to the mucus descending along the back wall of the nasopharynx, which accumulates in the bronchial tract and provokes cough reflexes.

Unlike a wet cough, a dry cough is formed due to inflammation of the nasopharynx and larynx. This species is called "barking", it is unproductive and causes pain: the throat dries up, pain is felt, it becomes difficult for the child to swallow. For its treatment, drugs are used that suppress cough reflexes and relieve inflammation. With a dry cough, mucus is not formed, but without appropriate therapy, the inflammation descends lower to the bronchial tree, and it becomes wet.

Signs of a wet cough:

The attack is short and does not cause pain.
When breathing, wheezing is heard.
Accompanied by shortness of breath.
The attack is provoked by the accumulation of sputum.
When coughing, mucus comes out.

How and how to treat a cough with sputum in a child will be prompted by the attending physician, after identifying provoking factors. A wet cough occurs with respiratory diseases and allergic reactions, but the most common causes are:

ARI, SARS.
Bronchial asthma.
Obstructive bronchitis.
Pneumonia.
Tracheitis.
Lung abscess.
Tuberculosis.

Experienced specialists in the nature of the discharge are able to make a preliminary diagnosis:

Transparent, liquid discharge indicates acute respiratory infections, rhinitis.
Green color - a sign of a bacterial disease or a purulent process is often accompanied by wheezing and high fever.
Brown discharge indicates the presence of old blood in the mucus.
Thick white sputum is produced with fungal pneumonia.
Yellow color - with pneumonia and the initial stage of bronchitis
Discharge with foam is a sign of pulmonary edema, chronic bronchitis, cardiac asthma.
Rusty color indicates lobar inflammation of the lungs, vascular injury, pulmonary embolism.
Mucus with blood is secreted with bronchiectasis, tumors in the respiratory tract, tuberculosis.

If there is no certainty in the diagnosis, sputum is sent for research to identify the source of the disease.

During the period of treatment, it is necessary to monitor the patient's condition. If a child's cough with sputum is accompanied by the following symptoms, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible:

Prolonged attacks of coughing, especially at night.
There are pains in the chest.
The temperature is above 38 °, does not go astray, lasts more than a day.
Attacks are accompanied by strong wheezing.
Loss of appetite.
Pale integument of the skin, blue under the eyes.

Until the arrival of the pediatrician, you should not give the child medicine, you should limit yourself to warm drinks and airing the room.

Treatment of wet cough with drugs

If a wet cough is accompanied by good sputum production, and there are no symptoms requiring medical intervention, there is no reason to take medication. The increased viscosity of sputum and the underdeveloped muscles of the respiratory tract in a child cause mucus retention in the larynx. In this case, it is necessary to use mucolytic and expectorant drugs.

When coughing is accompanied by sputum production, antitussive drugs should not be used. They cause mucus to settle in the lower respiratory tract. Even a simple acute respiratory disease, accompanied by a wet cough, can turn into serious complications, such as pneumonia.

The action of mucolytics is aimed only at thinning thick sputum, which contributes to the removal of mucus in a natural way. The most popular mucolytic agents are: Bromhexine, ACC-100, Fluimucil, Ambrobene, Lazolvan, Libeksin.

Expectorant drugs are divided into two subspecies:

Reflex action, aimed at thinning and increasing the amount of mucus, stimulate the gag reflex, thereby increasing sputum production. These medicines are of plant origin: from plantain, licorice, thermopsis, thyme, anise, nine strength. Such drugs are prescribed with caution to children under the age of three, as there is a risk of developing airway obstruction.
Resorptive drugs reduce the viscosity of secretions, increase its amount and remove it from the respiratory tract.

Most often, the following expectorant medicines are used for wet cough for children: Gedelix, Prospan, Gerbion, Doctor Mom, Mukaltin, Altea Syrup, Pertussin.

The most difficult thing is to get rid of a wet cough in an infant. At this age, it is allowed to use a small amount of drugs, so preference is given to inhalations with Lazolvan, Ambrobene, Fluimucil.

Inside infants you can take:

"Gedelix" is allowed to be taken from the first days of life.
Dry cough mixture - prescribed for children from six months.
"Prospan" is taken from three months.
"Bronhikum" is contraindicated up to 6 months.

In severe pathologies in the lungs and bronchi, the following is prescribed:

"Ascoril" has a thinning, expectorant and bronchodilator effect. Assign to children from one year.
"Erespal" relieves inflammation and expands the bronchi in children from the age of two. In rare cases, with severe infections, the doctor may prescribe Erespal in infancy. The dosage will be calculated based on the age and weight of the child.

From a wet cough for children of any age, only a doctor should prescribe a medicine. No parent without medical education will be able to listen to the breath and correctly diagnose.

Unconventional ways to treat wet cough

For the treatment of wet cough, not only medicines help, but also homemade, tested by more than one generation, recipes. The use of non-traditional treatment should be agreed with the doctor. The best effect will be from drug therapy supplemented with folk remedies.

Funds for internal reception

Everyone knows about the benefits of milk with honey and butter or soda. Not everyone knows other methods of treatment:

For two glasses of milk, take five dried figs, and simmer for 15-20 minutes over low heat. Drink warm three times a day after meals. You can use fresh figs, but there is a chance that the milk will curdle.
From a wet cough from three years old, 5 grams of natural badger fat can be added to warm milk along with honey. Drink three times in half a glass.
If the child does not have problems with digestion and the cardiovascular system, you can make a sweet radish syrup with honey. Take a large black radish, cut off the top and pull out the core with a spoon, so as not to damage the bottom and walls of the fruit. The resulting "pot" is two-thirds filled with honey. After 3 hours, you will get a useful tool. Children give a teaspoon every 2 hours. Do not use honey at elevated temperatures.
From cough in children, an infusion of plantain leaves helps well, but it can only be used after three years. Add 50 grams of fresh or dry plantain leaves to a liter of boiling water, cover and remove from heat. The infusion will be ready in 4 hours, take three tablespoons orally 3-4 times a day.
Treatment with raspberry and viburnum syrup: for preparation, take 50 grams of each berry, knead well and mix with a tablespoon of sugar. After a few hours, squeeze through a fine sieve or gauze. Dilute the syrup with two glasses of milk. Take half a glass four times a day, warm before use.
The smallest and pickiest kids will love the cocoa and banana drink. To prepare it, you need to take one banana, mix with a teaspoon of cocoa and pour a glass of hot milk. This remedy is useful not only for a wet cough, but also for raising immunity.

Before treating a wet cough in a child in non-traditional ways, you should consult a pediatrician.

Outdoor use

Folk remedies for external use will help treat cough with sputum: cakes, rubbing, compresses. The best effect of recipes that contain animal fats:

Rub the back, chest and feet of the child with badger or bear fat. Dress warmly and cover with a blanket. When he sweats, change into dry, clean clothes.
Take equal amounts of honey and goose fat, mix and spread on the chest, back and feet, wrap gauze or a towel on top, and wrap the child.

Compresses and rubbing with animal fats are best done before going to bed and kept all night.

Other recipes:

Compress with apple cider vinegar and honey: take a tablespoon of honey and vinegar, add three tablespoons of warm water. Moisten gauze in this solution, apply to the chest and throat of the child. Cover with a warm blanket for half an hour.
Take equal amounts of flour, honey, dry mustard, vodka and sunflower oil, mix everything and make cakes. Apply to the chest and back, pre-wrapped with gauze, all night.
Rub before going to bed with camphor alcohol. After rubbing the child warmly dress and wrap.

Treatment with external remedies for a wet cough relieves spasms, expands the bronchi and promotes sputum discharge.

If rubbing and compresses are used for the first time, the time of use should be reduced to check the reaction of the child.

Inhalations

Treatment of wet, with poorly discharged mucus, cough is carried out using an inhaler. If the child does not have a temperature, you can do hot inhalations using a special device or a regular pan.

Only the attending physician prescribes steam inhalations. The temperature of the solution should be within 40-50 degrees, the duration of the procedure is no more than five minutes.

Recipes for inhalation:

Inhalations with decoctions of medicinal herbs: chamomile, eucalyptus leaves, sage, plantain, thyme, peppermint. You can prepare an infusion from one herb or make combined mixtures. To prepare a decoction, you need to take a liter of boiling water, add a tablespoon of herbs, when it cools to 50 degrees, you can proceed to the procedure.
In one liter of boiling water, dilute two teaspoons of soda. If there is no allergy, you can add two drops of mint, tea tree, eucalyptus essential oil.
It is useful to breathe in pairs of boiled potatoes in their skins. Mash the boiled fruits and cool a little.

The child needs to be explained that when inhaling, it is necessary to hold the breath for 2-3 seconds. Do not eat or drink for half an hour after the procedure. Do not inhale late in the evening, preferably 3-4 hours before bedtime.

During the treatment of a child, caution is required in the selection of medicines. Herbal preparations can cause allergic reactions, up to Quincke's edema. Therefore, in childhood, preference is given to synthetic drugs, they are safer.

In order to quickly, and without health consequences, cure a wet cough, you should follow the doctor's recommendations. During an illness, it is necessary to see a pediatrician twice a week so that he can listen to the child's breathing and assess his condition.

Doctors divide cough into two main types: dry and sputum. At the same time, dry cough is considered more harmful and "unproductive", because it does not fulfill its main function - freeing the airways from obstacles and blockages. In this article we will talk about cough with sputum in children, tell you how to liquefy and how to remove sputum from a child, how to massage a child to expel sputum, which means viscous, green sputum or sputum with blood in a child, how to expectorate sputum for a child, etc. .d.

The child is unable to cough up mucus

Very often, a cough with sputum indicates the imminent recovery of the baby, because the body begins to remove mucus from the lungs on its own and is cleared. But often the sputum is too thick and viscous, and then the baby's body needs help.

It also happens that coughing is not a symptom of the disease at all. A healthy child can cough up to 15 times a day (sometimes with phlegm). The reason for this may be: too dry and hot air in the apartment, a large amount of dust in the air, an irritating smell or gas (smoke, smell of paints and varnishes) on the mucous membranes. All that needs to be done to eliminate such a cough is to normalize the atmosphere in the room - eliminate pollution, lower the temperature to 18-20 ° C, increase humidity.

The main rule for the treatment of any symptoms of ill health in a child is a categorical “no” to self-medication. The first thing parents should do is consult a pediatrician. Only a physician is able to distinguish a cough due to a cold, SARS or acute respiratory infections from a cough that accompanies allergic rhinitis, bronchitis or pneumonia. Different diseases require different treatment, and untimely diagnosis and lack of correct and adequate treatment during the period of the most active development of the disease is fraught with major health problems in the future. So do not risk the health and life of your child in vain - contact the doctors on time.

Cough as a symptom of the disease

You should immediately consult a doctor if you notice that in addition to coughing, the child has the following symptoms:

dyspnea;
temperature rise;
paroxysmal cough that starts suddenly;
increase in body temperature;
refusal to eat;
lethargy, drowsiness;
complaints of chest pain;
wheezing cough;
nocturnal coughing fits;
green sputum;
sputum with blood in a child;
if the cough does not stop for more than 2-3 weeks after acute respiratory infections or acute respiratory viral infections.

Mucus thinners for children

The answer to the question of how to help a child cough up sputum is simple: you need to give him plenty of warm drink and strictly follow the doctor's prescriptions. The most popular remedies for treating cough in children are herbal syrups - licorice, sage, marshmallow, calendula, coltsfoot, oregano. There are also a number of effective mucolytic drugs approved for use in children: acetylcysteine, ambroxol hydrochloride, fluimucil, etc.

In the case when sputum in a child does not come out well, it is possible to combine several drugs to enhance their effectiveness. At this time, it is very important for a sick child to observe the correct regimen - drink plenty of warm liquids, rest often, and spend enough time in the fresh air. The latter is especially important, because mucus already complicates the work of the lungs and blocks the airways, and constantly being in a room with dry and too hot air can aggravate the situation, provoking coughing fits.

Very often, vitamin therapy gives a positive effect in the treatment of cough with sputum in children. Therefore, the following formulations can be used for treatment:

Chest massage is also an effective cough suppressant. It is made using badger fat or thick ointments with the addition of essential oils of tea tree, menthol, eucalyptus. The composition is warmed up in the hands and gently rubbed into the skin of the chest in a circular motion (clockwise).