5 yr old with cough that wont go away

[alimac]

My daughter has been coughing for a month now, it's not all the time.  During this month she has had pink eye and a ear infection. The pink eye went away with meds, the ear infection is now on week 3. She took amoxicillon (the pink one) for 10 days, and now she's starting amoxicillon (the white one) for 10 more days. As for the cough, she has been prescribed 3 different meds for her cough pseudophedrine, prednisone (orapred), albuterol, and now prednisone again.  Has anyone else's child had a cough that wouldnt go away.  She's on the prednisone for 4 days. I'm thinking if the prednisone doesnt work, I'll go back to pseudophedrine.

[1ringmaker]

If doc said the chest is clear then am I to understand the cough is a dry hack or does she seem to produce phlem. The drainage from the ear infection could be causing a tickle. If there does seem to be abit of a rattle when she coughs then the drainage ia to thick to expell. Some liquid musinex (Guifenison) can help loosen it. Otherwise if it is a dry cough then a supressant will help. Along with the vicks pick up a jar of local raw honey. Not only will it help with the tickle type cough but it will help with any allergies she may have. Interestingly enough recent studies have shown raw honey actually out performs many antibiotics in treatment of infection.

[alimac]

He did check her throat and chest, said they were clear.  She has not been tested for asthma.  As for the prednisone, the first time, and this time it's for 4 days each. I think when she finishes the prednisone this time, I will go back to the pseudophedrine. I have vicks rub. Thanks for replying.

[jemma116]

Did the doctor examine your daughter's throat and chest?
Has your daughter been tested to see if she has asthma?

Pseudoephedrine is used to treat nasal and sinus congestion, or congestion of the Eustachian tubes that drain fluid from the inner ears.

Prednisone is a corticosteroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation and also suppresses the immune system.
It should not be stopped suddenly, the doctor would give advice on how to reduce or stop taking the medication gradually.

Albuterol is used to prevent and treat wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and coughing caused by lung diseases such as asthma.

She has an infection at the moment and hopefully the course of antibiotics she is one will clear it up.

If she is now asthmatic, she will have flare ups to irritants.  These can be anything from sprays, smoke, the cold, the heat and a dry atmosphere, dust, dander, wool, pets etc.

As she has an infection in her ears and was prescribed with the Pseudoephedrine to dry up the congestion, it is likely that she is having post nasal drip and this in turn can trigger her coughing.

You may find that placing a bowl of hot water with Vick or Olbas oil in her bedroom in a safe place to avoid any accidents, may help to loosen up any congestion.  You can also get some plug in vapours, or rub some Vick on her neck, chest and back to help relieve the congestion.

Keep her warm and give her plenty of warm diluted fruit juices.  Avoid milk and dairy whilst she is unwell as these promote mucus build up.

Hope she gets better soon.