How to manage a dry cough and fever in a child?

Question

Hi doctor,

My four-year-old child has had a dry cough for the past three months and experiences a fever once a week.

Kindly advice.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Please have the child's complete blood count (CBC), C-reactive protein (CRP quantitative), and chest X-ray performed. Further management will depend on the results of these tests.

In the meantime, please monitor the child's temperature with a thermometer. If the temperature is 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, I suggest administering the syrup Paracetamol (dose according to the child's weight) as needed every four to six hours. If the temperature reaches 102 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, consider giving syrup containing Ibuprofen and Paracetamol (dose according to the child's weight) as needed every six to eight hours.

If the temperature remains above 100 degrees Fahrenheit for more than three days or exceeds 103 degrees Fahrenheit, it is advisable to have the child evaluated by a pediatrician, who may recommend further blood investigations based on the physical examination.

For the cough, I suggest administering the syrup Levosalbutamol twice a day for five to seven days. Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with him or her, and take the medicines with their consent.

Thank you.