03/10/2025
✨🪁 Let’s Talk About Cough and Antibiotics 🪁✨
I have been receiving consults lately where parents immediately request for antibiotics because their child is coughing. They are so convinced that antibiotics is the way to go.
Majority of respiratory infections are VIRAL in origin. Treatment is mainly supportive. We do not need antibiotics for viral infections because these medications do not have coverage for viruses.
❓So why does my child improve after intake of antibiotics?
Your child’s immune system can defend itself from the virus. BUT YOU HAVE TO BE PATIENT. It may take 7-10 days to improve spontaneously. Unfortunately, some become impatient and give antibiotics around this time too. So there is a misconception that it was because of the antibiotics that the child improved.
❓Why don’t we give antiviral medications then?
Because they are expensive and not readily available. Your body’s immune system can defend for itself. Allow it to do its job.
❓My child still has cough even beyond the timeline. Does that mean they need antibiotics?
It depends. If there would be findings suggestive of a secondary bacterial infection, then antibiotics may be needed. Some imaging or lab tests may be requested.
❓My child was given antibiotics but it doesn’t seem to work. Why?
As mentioned, antibiotics do not have coverage for viruses.
There is also what you call POST-INFECTIOUS COUGH wherein the respiratory tract becomes more sensitive to irritants. This may last even beyond 8 weeks from start of symptoms.
Remember, COUGH IS ALSO A REFLEX. It is also a way for the body to defend itself. So do check your surroundings too. Exposure to smoke, pollution, and toxic inhalants/irritants may also contribute to the prolonged symptoms.
❓What should I do then?
If the cough is improved and not bothersome to the child, you may continue supportive treatment. If you are worried, better to have physical consult and air out your concerns with your pediatrician. An open communication is important so that unnecessary medications will be avoided.
