Doctor prescribed duolin with saline for my 18 month old, over a 5 day period with flixotide (inhaler) twice a day. the coughing stopped. once we stopped using the duolin the cough returned. does she need to be on it forever? is there an alternative?

Doubt it: Duolin contains chemicals that work to open airways triggered to close by illness or irritants. The flixotide is a membrane stabilizer that helps calm down irritation. The duration of need for one or both meds is dependent on the triggering illness/issue. About 50-60% of kids who need these in early childhood grow out of it by age 5, but may have recurrent issues before then.