Medicines for children with persistent coughing

[Jo789]

Hi, my 7yo daughter is on montelukast daily and either clenil modulite or symbicort turbohaler twice daily too (different gps given different meds). Ventolin too. She has no symptoms most of the year then 2-3x a year has persistent coughing, struggles for breath, crackles and slight wheeze. Ventolin doesn’t seem to do much. Three weeks ago we got prednisilone but dr was keen we didn’t rush to take it as chest sounded clear and oxygen saturation good. We took it after a day of symptoms but now we’ve had another 4 nights endless coughing and School won’t take her. Seeing GP about meds again but any ideas on what might work? She’s on them year round but when she gets asthma with a cough/cold nothing seems to help. Thanks

[Frin9e]

my son is the same, he's been asthmatic since he was 1, he's 15 now for the last 3 years, he has had a persistent dry hacking cough, all day and night, he's on so much medication but nothing touches this cough, he's now on his 4th day if prednisolone, he's still coughing! His chest is clear too its a nightmare, he's missed so much school.

[Jo789 in reply to Frin9e]

Thanks for replying, let’s hope the coughs stop soon for both of them!

[Frin9e in reply to Jo789]

we're also trying reflux meds, plus all the med your daughter is on, he's been referred again because gp, doesn't know what else to do!

[Carras22]

I inherited Asthma from Mum and her Mum and was born 5 months AFTER the NHS i.e. December 1948. I never had children so I am totally on my own so have to 'cope'. Every morning I use a Peakflow meter and record the result in a daily notebook. I have taken Montelukast at night for several years.

First, on occasions, I have fallen asleep without taking my last tablets. The next morning the Peakflow reading is noticeably down and I am short of breath so make sure your child ALWAYS takes that tablet!

Second, in 2018 I had a terrible year with major sinus problems. I choked with Chattar in the back of my throat and it often woke me up. Now I make sure I have an antihistamine available and take it daily, starting before the pollen season starts.

When I was a child exercise was not recommended, I was the girl sitting in the corner of the changing room reading a book while everyone else was outside running around. I wish I had been made to join in, I also wish I had been taught to swim. I dare float on my back but have no confidence to swim. It is good exercise for the lungs.