Having a cold is a common part of childhood. Coughing that accompanies a cold is essential for the body’s healing process, even if it may seem like your child’s symptoms are worsening.

Dr. Katie Lockwood, a pediatrician at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Primary Care, Flourtown, offers advice on how parents can assist their child through a cold and alleviate their cough.

Understanding Coughing in Children

Coughing is a usual symptom when a child has a cold and rarely indicates a more serious condition. It helps clear excess mucus and protects the lungs from pneumonia. The sounds produced are due to the vibrations of mucus in the nose or gathering in the lower throat. However, any unusual coughing sounds should prompt a call to the pediatrician.

It is important to note that persistent or severe coughing, coughing up blood, difficulty breathing, or wheezing may be signs of a more serious underlying issue and should be checked by a medical professional immediately. Keeping track of when the cough started, any accompanying symptoms, and any triggers can help the healthcare provider determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

Signs of Improvement

Coughing up mucus actually indicates that the cold is improving. Children may not be able to expel the mucus and may swallow it instead. Yellow or green sputum is a normal part of the healing process and does not signal a bacterial infection.

Other signs of improvement include a decrease in fever, fewer coughing fits, and an increase in energy levels. It is important to continue staying hydrated and getting plenty of rest to support the body’s healing process.

How to Help Your Child

Dr. Lockwood suggests ensuring your child is comfortable. Providing hydration, warm beverages, and using a cool mist humidifier can help alleviate their symptoms.

Additionally, it is important to keep your child’s bedroom clean and dust-free to reduce potential irritants. Encourage them to wash their hands frequently to prevent the spread of germs and viruses.

When to Seek Medical Help

If your child is having trouble breathing, coughing up blood, or develops a new fever, contact your pediatrician immediately. Keep an eye out for signs of severity such as blood in the mucus, rapid breathing, or uncontrolled fever.

Understanding Frequency of Colds in Children

Infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children often experience multiple colds in a year. The cold season is most active from September to March or April.

Common symptoms in children during a cold include a runny nose, sneezing, fatigue, and vomiting.

It is important for parents to help boost their child’s immune system by encouraging a healthy diet, regular exercise, and ensuring they get enough sleep. Washing hands frequently and teaching children proper hygiene practices can also help prevent the spread of colds.

Causes of Vomiting in Children with Colds

Frequent coughing, swallowing mucus, and crying can contribute to vomiting in children with colds. It is advisable for parents to avoid pressuring their child to eat more while they are ill.

Handling Vomiting in Children with Colds

Parents should stay calm and observe symptoms, particularly if vomiting is sudden, severe, or accompanied by a high fever or signs of dehydration.

These are serious signs that require immediate medical attention for children showing these symptoms.

3.2. Home Care for Mild Cases

If mild vomiting due to a cold occurs, parents can take the following steps:

Rehydrate and Replenish Electrolytes
Provide the child with water or oral rehydration solutions like Oresol in small amounts to prevent dehydration.

Rest
Allow the child to rest and avoid vigorous activities to reduce irritation and vomiting.

Eat Light and Small Meals
Give easily digestible foods and smaller portions to prevent overeating.

Avoid Feeding Immediately After Vomiting
Wait 30 to 60 minutes before offering food again to minimize vomiting.

Reduce Cold Symptoms
As the cold improves, vomiting should also decrease within 7-10 days.

• Keep the environment clean and warm.
• Use saline solution to rinse the child’s nose.
• Apply a warm compress to reduce fever. Only administer fever-reducing medication if necessary under a doctor’s guidance.
• Ensure everyone washes their hands to prevent the spread of the virus.
• Avoid unnecessary antibiotic use.
• Vaccinate children aged 6 months and older against the flu and continue getting annual boosters.

Additional Information

It is important to note that coughing or choking at night in children aged 5 to 8 can be caused by various factors, including allergies, asthma, respiratory infections, or even acid reflux. Understanding the underlying cause of the symptoms is essential for proper treatment and management.

Parents can help alleviate nighttime coughing by ensuring a clean and dust-free sleeping environment, using a humidifier to keep the air moist, and avoiding exposure to triggers such as smoke or strong odors. It is also advisable to consult a pediatrician if the symptoms persist or worsen.

Remember, the well-being of your child is paramount, and seeking professional medical advice is always recommended in case of any concerns or uncertainties.

1. Why Children Aged 5 to 8 Cough at Night

Coughing or choking during sleep in childhood may signal sleep apnea, a serious sleep disorder. Other potential causes include asthma, allergies, or colds. Persistent symptoms, fever, or choking on an object warrant immediate medical attention.

2. Common Types of Coughing or Choking in Children Aged 5 to 8

Children with a higher risk of acute bronchitis may have:

• Chronic sinusitis.
• Allergies.
• Asthma.
• Enlarged tonsils and adenoids.
• Exposure to secondhand smoke.
• Other severe health conditions.

In addition to the mentioned risk factors, it is important for parents to be aware of the signs and symptoms of acute bronchitis in children aged 5 to 8. These may include persistent coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. If your child experiences any of these symptoms, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly to prevent further complications.

In addition to the symptoms listed above, parents should also watch out for difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, and wheezing that is getting worse. If a child with acute bronchitis develops blue lips or nails, confusion, or severe chest pain, seek immediate medical attention as these may be signs of a more serious condition.

It is important to keep the child hydrated, encourage rest, and provide medication as prescribed by a healthcare provider. Using a cool-mist humidifier can help ease congestion and coughing. Avoid exposing the child to smoke, pollution, or other irritants that can worsen symptoms.

If symptoms do not improve or if they worsen over time, it is important to follow up with a healthcare provider for further evaluation and management of acute bronchitis in a child.

Other diagnostic tests that may be used to diagnose acute bronchitis in a child include:

• Physical examination to assess symptoms and listen to the child’s chest.
• Blood tests to check for signs of infection.
• Pulmonary function tests to measure lung function.
• Bronchoscopy to examine the airways with a thin, flexible tube.

It is important to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment for acute bronchitis in children.

How is acute bronchitis treated in a child?

Treatment varies based on symptoms, age, overall health, and condition severity.

Antibiotics are rarely necessary as most cases are viral in nature. Providing rest, medication, hydration, and humidified air can help alleviate symptoms.

What are possible complications of acute bronchitis in a child?

Most children recover from acute bronchitis without complications, but pneumonia remains a potential risk.

How can you help prevent acute bronchitis in your child?

Preventive measures against acute bronchitis include:

• Encouraging proper coughing and hand hygiene.
• Maintaining vaccination compliance, including flu shots.
• Avoiding contact with sick individuals.

Additional signs that you should contact your child’s doctor include:

• Persistent vomiting
• Severe abdominal pain
• Unexplained rash
• Extreme fatigue or weakness

It’s important to trust your instincts as a parent. If you feel that something is seriously wrong with your child, don’t hesitate to seek medical help immediately.

Key points about acute bronchitis in children

• Bronchitis results from inflammation of the bronchial tubes and is typically short-lived.
• In children, viruses often trigger acute bronchitis.
• Common symptoms include cough, fever, runny nose, and body aches.
• Treatment focuses on symptom relief, usually without the need for antibiotics.

Next steps

Tips for a productive doctor visit:

• Prepare questions and objectives in advance.
• Take notes on new discoveries, medications, and instructions.
• Understand prescribed treatments and potential side effects.
• Discuss alternative treatment options if applicable.
• Be informed about recommended tests and their implications.
• Know how to contact the doctor after hours in case of emergencies.