Frequent Coughing in Teens: When to Seek Medical Attention?

Respiratory tract infection

Dear Doctor, is it considered frequent for a teenager to catch a cold twice in six months? My son is thirteen years old.
In mid-March, he had a cough and sore throat.
Initially, we visited a clinic three times (the doctor prescribed antibiotics, so he took them for a total of nine days), and he also received respiratory therapy, but there was no improvement.
Later, I switched to a major hospital where the doctor prescribed Daypro (flurbiprofen), and he started to improve, but he coughed for three weeks before fully recovering.
I still don't know if he had bronchitis or pneumonia.

In any case, after three months of being fine, he started having a dry cough again this weekend, complaining of an itchy throat.
The current illness is ongoing, and he mentioned that the coughing has become more frequent.
This time, I consulted a different doctor who prescribed cough suppressants, expectorants, and cough syrup.
Should I take him to a major hospital for a throat examination? I am very worried; hearing him cough makes me restless.
I feel that at his age, catching a cold again after just three months is concerning, and I'm unsure if there are issues with his bronchi or trachea.
In March, he had imaging done, and an endoscopy showed no problems.
Should we get further tests? I apologize for writing so much, and I appreciate your help.
Thank you.

Jie, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/06/22

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello, if you have already been examined previously and your current symptoms mainly indicate an infection, it is recommended to continue monitoring and treatment at the clinic.
If necessary, the clinic physician can refer you to the hospital for further management.
Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2017/06/22

More Info

Frequent coughing in teenagers can indeed be a cause for concern, especially when it occurs multiple times within a short period. In your case, your son has experienced two significant bouts of illness within six months, which may be considered frequent, particularly if these episodes are accompanied by persistent symptoms such as coughing and throat discomfort.

When assessing whether to seek further medical attention, it is essential to consider several factors:
1. Duration and Severity of Symptoms: If your son has been coughing for an extended period (more than a week) or if the cough is severe enough to disrupt his daily activities or sleep, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. Coughing that leads to vomiting or significant discomfort should not be ignored.

2. Response to Treatment: You mentioned that your son initially received treatment for his symptoms, but it took multiple visits to find an effective solution. If he is currently on medication but is not experiencing improvement, or if symptoms are worsening, it may be necessary to revisit a specialist.
3. Underlying Conditions: Given your son's history of respiratory issues, it is crucial to rule out any underlying conditions such as asthma, allergies, or chronic bronchitis. These conditions can cause recurrent coughing and may require specific management strategies.
4. Recent Illnesses: The fact that your son had pneumonia and was treated with antibiotics raises the question of whether there could be lingering effects or complications from that illness. Sometimes, post-infectious cough can persist even after the initial infection has resolved.

5. Specialist Consultation: Since you have already consulted with a general practitioner and a specialist, it may be beneficial to return to the specialist for further evaluation. If your son has had imaging studies (like X-rays) and an endoscopy without significant findings, it might be worth discussing whether further tests, such as pulmonary function tests or allergy testing, are warranted.

6. Lifestyle and Environmental Factors: Consider any environmental factors that might be contributing to your son's symptoms. Allergens, irritants, or even changes in weather can exacerbate respiratory issues. Ensuring that he avoids known triggers can be an essential part of managing his symptoms.

7. Monitoring Symptoms: Keep a close eye on your son's symptoms. If he develops new symptoms such as fever, difficulty breathing, or chest pain, seek immediate medical attention.
In conclusion, while two episodes of illness in six months may not be alarming in isolation, the persistence of symptoms and the impact on your son's quality of life warrant further investigation. It is always better to err on the side of caution, especially when it comes to respiratory health in adolescents. If you feel uncertain or anxious about his condition, do not hesitate to seek a second opinion or request further evaluation from a specialist. Your son's health and well-being are of utmost importance, and proactive management can help prevent future complications.

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