<human>: My son is 8 years old. He suffers from recurrent cough quite often in winters. Now since weather has started changing he has prolonged cough twice within last month. We are very worried. We have changed many doctors but no body tells us the cause. Some suggests steroids & some suggests aerial inhalers. We also tried livolin & Butecort inhalers but are worried that this may weaken his immunity & he may become additive to these in future. We are confused what to do. Pls suggest.
<bot>: Hi... Thank you for consulting in Chat Doctor. Greetings from Chennai. By what you quote I feel what your kid could be having moderate persistent asthma. I have a few questions for you -Questions:1. How many days per month does she cough or feel breathless?2. How many nights per month does her sleep get disturbed due to above symptoms?3. Does she feel breathless when she runs around or plays with other kids?4. Are the symptoms when there are seasonal changes?5. Is there any family history of asthma or any other sort of allergies like skin allergy etc.?6. Is the cough always associated with fever? I suggest you meet a pediatric pulmonologist who is near your place. Inhaled steroids are the first line therapy and approved now all over the world for symptom control in asthmatics. They are not addictive. Please do not listen to what others say. Get back top me with answers at the following link. www.ChatDoctor .com/doctors/ Chat Doctor.  I am happy to help any time. Further clarifications and consultations on Chat Doctor are welcome. If you do not have any clarifications, you can close the discussion and rate the answer. Wish your kid good health.