Recurrent coughing or persistent coughing could be an indication of asthma, a chronic disease characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways.
"Coughing is the main symptom of asthma. In addition, for example, symptoms of noisy breathing, such as whistling or wheezing," said dr. Wahyuni Indrawati, Sp.A(K) from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia-National General Hospital dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Jakarta.
"Those are the two main symptoms that we can suspect whether this is a symptom of asthma or another disease," said the pediatric respirator consultant in a webinar attended online from Jakarta, Wednesday.
Although children under the age of five are generally more likely to experience respiratory infections than older children, he said parents should be alert if their child coughs frequently.
"If you cough every month, well, it's possible that it's a symptom or characteristic of asthma," he said.
He said that children who can carry out their activities as usual during the day but have a severe cough at night until early morning are likely to suffer from asthma.
Other symptoms of asthma include shortness of breath and a feeling of pressure or pain in the chest due to narrowing of the airways and inflammation in the surrounding area.
According to information published on the official website of the Ministry of Health, doctors diagnose asthma based on the results of a medical interview, physical examination, lung function test, and allergy test if necessary.
Patients diagnosed with asthma require treatment to control symptoms, prevent asthma attacks, and improve quality of life.
The doctor will recommend treatment that is appropriate to the patient's asthma condition.
Asthma treatment may include the use of inhalers to control asthma symptoms long-term or inhalers to relieve symptoms quickly.
Doctors may also prescribe additional medications to control allergy symptoms that trigger asthma attacks.
In addition, environmental management is needed to avoid asthma triggers such as allergens or environmental irritants and adopt a healthy lifestyle to help control asthma symptoms.