Dry cough for 9 weeks

[HuntersMum]

Hi there, my 11month DS has had a awful dry cough for 9 weeks now, we have been to see one Doctor that gave him a course of antibiotics which didn't work then we went to a different Doctor who gave him a chest xray to see if he had inhaled something or if there was any infection but there was neither. He told me that we just have to wait for it to go away. My poor DS wakes up every night coughing sometimes until he makes himself sick! and then he is cranky all day because he had a bad sleep. Should I get a 3rd opinion? Does anyone have any advice?

[nugglyboysmum]

i dont have any advice for you, but just wanted to say that my son is going through the very same thing!! i couldn't believe it when i saw your post! Archie has had a dry cough for 5 weeks now but only usually coughs at night and first thing in the morning. He has an appointment to see the GP next week, i am thinking its one or a combination of 4 things

asthma (both parents have it)
chest infection
reflux (he is medicated for reflux and its been worse for the last month)
viral thing that is just hanging around

I'll let you know how we go at the drs next week.

GL i hope your little one gets better soon.

[Mrs Potts]

Sounds to me that it's very likely to be asthma. It is what both myself and my DS have/get.

GPs are generally hesitant to officially diagnose asthma in under 2's unless it's severe as it can create all sorts of restrictions down the track. However, a GP can certainly prescribe some preventers/relievers to help ease the problem.

I would go for a 3rd opinion and ask about the possibility of asthma. 9 weeks (and 5 weeks) is way too long with no change in symptoms.

Let us know how you get one. Good luck!