“When should a child be given antibiotics for cough?”
My child is 3 years old and goes to school. He often gets infected with a cold and cough. Sometimes the cough is normal while often it is accompanied by a fever. When is the right time to give my child antibiotics?
4 Answers
When there is a bacterial infection. Viruses may cause fever and cough.If it is due to mycoplasma sinusitis or focal pneumonia these respond to antibiotics.
That is a difficult question to answer. It is based mostly on the exam and history. For the most part, a cough with no other symptoms, does not need antibiotics. If it worsens after 1-2 weeks and there is fever, then it may need antibiotics. Every case is different so you need to speak to your MD.
Antibiotics should not be given for cough unless there is X-ray documentation of pneumonia or bacterial infection.
Never unless a bacterial or fungal infection is diagnosed. Some coughs are due to allergies or viruses, so antibiotics will not work.
