Cough in children: Causes and treatments
- Acute cough - lasting less than two weeks
- Persistent cough - lasting two to four weeks
- Chronic cough - lasting over four weeks
- Antihistamines are proven to have no benefit in chronic cough and are associated with high levels of side effects
- Cough suppressants are contraindicated in children
- Menthol inhalations are not effective and are associated with risk of scalding injuries from boiling water
- There is no evidence for effectiveness of herbal remedies
- Emetics, such as guaifenesin, ammonium chloride, ipecacuanha and squill, are used in low doses as expectorants but are not effective
Published October 7, 2011
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