If you notice that your child has a strong and violent cough that they cannot control, then there is a possibility that he or she has a case of whooping cough. While pertussis vaccines help to control outbreaks, there are still as many as 40,000 cases each and every year. A family doctor, like those at Rural Health Services Consortium Inc., should be seen to diagnose the cough. Typically, the physician will take mucus samples and blood will be drawn. X-rays may be used to diagnose whooping cough as well. Antibiotics are used to treat the disease, but there are a wide variety of things you can do as a parent to make your child feel better as they battle whooping cough.
Invest In A Humidifier
Children with pertussis excrete a great deal of mucus. Not only does it come from the lungs, but the nasal passages also produce phlegm. The majority of the excretions come from the chest, though. When your child has whooping cough, bacteria infect the bronchial tissues. The infection causes swelling, narrowed airways, and mucus.
As the lung infection advances, more and more excretions are produced. This can make it extremely difficult for your child to breathe, and you may notice him or her struggling when they cough. Unfortunately, breathing can be difficult until all of the mucus releases from the lungs. You can help the discharge release from the airways by making sure your child is kept in a moist environment. As water is taken into the lungs, the fluid mixes with the mucus, thins it out, and helps it release from the mouth.
A humidifier can help to create a moist environment, so purchase one for your child's room. Purchase a device with a spout that releases cool and moist air, and direct the spout towards your child's head as he or she sleeps.
Provide Plenty Of Water
Whooping cough can cause violent coughing fits that can make your child vomit. This can make it difficult for your child to eat meals while they are ill. While your child does need to keep his strength up to fight the bacterial infection, you should not force your child to eat. Coughing fits can cause choking concerns until the most violent episodes pass.
You should make sure your child is drinking plenty of fluids though. Much of the mucus your child coughs up may be swallowed. This can cause diarrhea and water can reduce dehydration risks. Also, water will help to thin out mucus so it is easier to cough up for your child, and fluid is used extensively by the body when your child becomes ill. Replenishing fluids is wise so the body has what it needs to get better.
Share29 December 2016
One day I was playing a game of basketball with a friend, and the friend I was playing ball with tripped and took a hard fall to the ground. He hit his head hard, but he insisted he was okay and just wanted to go home and take a nap. I knew in my heart that he was not thinking clearly, and I didn't feel right letting him go home. I talked him into letting me take him to the hospital, and after some tests, it was determined he had a bad concussion. The doctors told me that if I had let him go home and sleep, things could have taken a turn for the worse. I created this blog to remind everyone to look out for each other after injuries. Not everyone thinks clearly after a head injury, and just being a good friend could save a life.