8 yr. old with a horrible cough? ( 3 weeks and counting )?

Question

ok, it started as a normal cold ( sniffles, cough, lost her voice for a day ) we rode it out for about a week and it was still there- the cough, a very deep dry cough. I took her in and they said her lungs were clear, tested neg. for strep and said it was a virus. ( give fluids and rest ) well now it is going on 3 weeks, the cough is not going away - no fever, but a very deep dry sounding cough, not a congestion sounding cough. I am going to take her back in, but what does anyone else think , can you have a virus this long?

Answer 1

I think you can have a virus that long, but it's rare. I'd take her to the doctors asap. I hope she's okay and good luck!

Answer 2

I have the same thing going on too- so does my MIL. Today is week 3 and 2 days. Everything has been clear- I don't have a fever and I don't feel REAL bad.
I take Robitisun DM in the am when it's worse and usually don't need anything else for the rest of the day.
You need to have her take something that breaks up the congestion so she can cough it out.
If secretions are clear and there is no fever- everything is fine- from what I have heard. Lots of liquids and rest whenever possible. Since she isn't feeling sickly- that will be the hardest part.
Good luck.

Answer 3

sounds like croup. Try giving letting her sit in a steamy bathroom and see if the moisture eases up the cough. Also ask if it is possible that she has developed asthma. If the steam helps clear up the cough get a warm mist humidfier for her room or a vaporiser and build with a sheet and some thumb tacks a tent over her bed that will keep the moist air in the area she is sleeping and help her sleep. Yes sometimes these viruses can last a long time especially if the immune system is weaken by an earlier illness.

Answer 4

I'm sorry for her. That will wear a person out!

Try another doctor...........maybe a Pulmonary Doctor ...lung doctor or an allergist.

I haven't had experience with this, but just today at a health food store I was told that pollen and raw honey that has propolis are remedies for many cases of hay fever and allergy. Also asthmatic bronchitis and respiratory infections.

Again, I just bought some today and you would need to get more information.

Best wishes for good health for her!! Do things to build her immune system and don't let her be around smoke.

My daughter coughed a lot when she was young and the peditrician kept giving antibiotics. Later they found she had allergies.

Answer 5

Sounds like she may have bronchitis. I had a cough that lasted about three or four weeks and it took 3 rounds of antibiotics to get rid of the crud that I had. (I took the antibiotics for a sinus infection that I just couldn't get rid of.) My cough was not congested, it was just a deep dry cough. It sounded like at times that I would cough a lung up if I didn't quit coughing. But it finally just went away. I diagnosed myself with bronchitis or some type of bronchospasms. But yes, sometimes when you get this, it does last for several weeks. It also may be aggravated by the pollen in the air.
Hope she gets better soon!!

Answer 6

When its a dry cough, you have to be careful. Prolonged dry coughs can mean there might be something wrong with the lungs. The following is from wikipedia: "The complications of coughing can be classified as either acute or chronic. Acute complications include cough syncope, fainting spells when coughs are prolonged and forceful, and caused by decreased blood flow to the brain, secondary to raised intrathoracic pressure due to cough. Other acute complications include insomnia, cough-induced vomiting, chest pain due to muscular strain of incessant coughing, rupture of bulla causing pneumothorax. In severe cases, prolonged coughing can cause fatigue fractures of lower ribs and costochondritis, an inflammation of the connective tissue between the breastbone and the ribs. Chronic complications are common. In certain cases, it can even lead to abdominal or pelvic hernias. In women with prolapsed uterus, cough micturition (urination) can result, which can be a major social nuisance. Cough defecation can also occur". I suggest taking here to the hosptal since its 3 weeks, its probable that it is not a virus, but some other complications. Usually viruses come with flu and wettery eyes, congestion etc, if your child doesnot show the sysmtoms,take her to teh clinic or hospital.
Please, don't wait another day.

Answer 7

My 10 year old has the same thing and I was told the same as you. It is going on two weeks for us. Mine also has diarrhea and she is tired and not herself. I am getting really worried but they keep telling me that it is a virus and it has to run its course. I got some cough medicine from my child's Dr. maybe you should ask for some, it helps her sleep at least. I have never seen a virus this strong. I hope that your daughter feels better.
FYI to all who dont know- antibiotics do nothing to cure viruses.
UPDATE: I had to take my daughter back because she was still sick running 102 fever. They sent me to the hospital for chest xray and blood work and sinus x-ray. Turns out she has severe sinus infection and didn't even have any pain in sinus area. She is also coughing and congested you may want to ask your doctor about this. She has to be on antibiotics for 20 days now to cure it completely.

Answer 8

If u live in a place where pollen allergies are common in Spring - then most likely it is allergy. Most antihistamin will however not work. take care of following points
Check her room carpet for dust or dampness
Get her room walls and roof thoroughly clean from dust
Keep the bed matress in sunlight very often
Take care of her pillows - keep them in sunlight
Let her room get some fresh air and sunlight
Consult doctor for Changing her Cough syrup
and finally when she is coughing too much and can't sleep - apply Viks Vaporub under her feet and let her put on socks this will stop her cough in minutes and for hours. Good Luck

Answer 9

I would definitely take her back in. They can do another test for strep, because sometimes that's wrong. They can also check for pneumonia, and other viruses. Another cause of the cough would be habit. If she had a cold, but got over it, she might just be in the habit of coughing. Go to the doctor's office first, though, and see what he says about it.

Answer 10

A cough is the body's response to inflammation or irritation in the throat, larynx, bronchial tubes or lungs.Some coughs are dry, while others are considered productive.Here are a few simple home remedies that will help to overcome cough. Have honey in a hot drink before bed time.To relieve fits of coughing due to dryness in the throat, suck a few pepper corns. More remedies at http://useinfo6.blogspot.com/

Answer 11

Don't dismiss this so easily go to another doctor or go to the emergency hospital nearest you. It could be bronchitis. Give her 1-tablespoon of honey and 1- tablespoon of vinegar mix together and have her drink it. This is a natural home remedy that kills the bacteria in the throat. I do this all the time when I am getting a cold and it makes me feel better. Hope your daughter gets well soon. Good luck.