If your child is experiencing a cough and you have concerns, it is advisable to seek advice from your pharmacist, health visitor, or GP. Understanding the common causes and types of coughs can help you identify why your child may be coughing at night and when medical attention may be necessary.

Common causes of coughs in children can include:

• Common cold or flu
• Asthma
• Allergies
• Postnasal drip
• Respiratory infections (such as bronchitis or pneumonia)

Types of coughs that children may experience include:

• Dry cough
• Wet or productive cough
• Barking cough (Croup)
• Whooping cough

If your child’s cough is persistent, is accompanied by difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest pain, or lasts for more than a week, it is important to seek medical advice promptly. Your healthcare provider will be able to assess your child’s symptoms and provide the appropriate treatment.

What is a Cough?

A cough is a natural reflex to clear irritants from the airways, often occurring due to a cold or the flu.

Common Causes of Coughs

Potential reasons for a cough include the common cold, flu, allergens, pneumonia, and more.

Coughs can also be caused by irritants such as smoke, pollution, or strong odors. In some cases, coughs can be a symptom of underlying health conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, or acid reflux.

It is important to identify the cause of your cough in order to effectively treat it. If your cough persists for more than a week or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it is recommended to see a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Types of Coughs in Babies and Children

Children may have different types of coughs, with dry coughs not producing phlegm and chesty coughs indicating the presence of phlegm.

Dry Coughs

Dry coughs can be caused by allergies, cold air, pollution, or infections. It is important to keep your child hydrated and monitor their symptoms to ensure they are getting the necessary treatment.

Chesty Coughs

Chesty coughs may be a sign of a chest infection, especially if accompanied by green or yellow mucus. It is essential to consult a healthcare provider if your child has a chesty cough to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

Outliers

Less common causes of cough in children include croup and asthma.

Baby barking cough

Croup can lead to a barking cough in babies and young children.

Asthma

Asthma can trigger coughing and wheezing, which may worsen due to various factors.

How to ease coughing in babies and children

How can you help your child if they are coughing?

• Ensure your child stays hydrated to soothe the throat and protect the vocal cords.
• Consider offering warm water with lemon and honey to children over 1 year old.
• Consult a healthcare professional before administering any cough medication.

When to see a GP and what signs are a medical emergency

If you suspect your child may have asthma, a prolonged cough, or other concerning symptoms, or if you are feeling anxious, it is recommended to consult a GP. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your child’s health.

In case of severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, chest pain, or a high fever, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. These could be signs of a medical emergency and should not be ignored.

For fever or pain relief, consider using ibuprofen or paracetamol based on your child’s age and weight. It’s important to follow the dosage instructions carefully and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.

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HELP & SUPPORT

Seek advice from a healthcare professional for medical guidance and further information.

Acquire knowledge about different types of cough, home remedies, and when to seek medical help for your child.

It’s important to differentiate between different types of coughs in kids. Common types include dry cough, chesty cough, and croup cough. Understanding the type of cough your child has can help you provide appropriate treatment.

For a dry cough, you can try giving your child honey and lemon, as well as ensuring they stay hydrated. Chesty coughs may benefit from steam inhalation and a humidifier in the room. If your child has a croup cough, it’s important to seek medical help, as this can sometimes indicate a more serious condition.

Always consult with a healthcare professional if you are unsure about how to treat your child’s cough. They can provide guidance on when to seek medical help and recommend appropriate treatments based on the type of cough your child has.

Dry vs. wet coughs in kids

Recognize wet and dry coughs, understand their causes, and be aware of when to seek emergency care for breathing difficulties.

Symptoms of croup include a distinctive cough and wheezing, often triggered by respiratory viruses.

When to see a doctor for a stridor cough

If you notice stridor, schedule an appointment. A same-day visit should suffice unless your child is having difficulty breathing. In such cases, head to the emergency department. Treatment typically involves a steroid, and the sooner it is administered, the quicker the relief. Wheezing alongside a dry cough can be a symptom of asthma. Dr. Brown explains, “It’s a whistling sound from within the chest, more noticeable during exhaling.” Asthma-related coughing may intensify at night and persist for 20 to 30 minutes.

When to see a doctor for a wheezing cough

A wheeze warrants attention. If your child has asthma, follow the prescribed action plan. If not, consult their primary care provider. In cases of breathing difficulties, seek immediate care. Choking may not always be evident. Following a choking incident, a persistent dry cough could indicate an object lodged in the airways.

When to see a doctor for a cough after choking

An object lodged in the airways requires removal. A medical professional can detect it using a stethoscope and X-ray. Surgery may be necessary to remove it with a bronchoscope. Winter wet coughs are typically viral and may worsen due to irritants. Severe wet coughs accompanied by a high fever should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Coughs and respiratory illnesses

A new cough in a child is often linked to a viral infection, particularly during cold and flu season. It is advisable to consult a doctor to identify the cause and necessary steps.

My child’s cough won’t go away

Viral infections progress rapidly, necessitating new flu vaccinations annually. Children in daycare settings may experience prolonged coughs due to recurrent viral infections.

If your child’s cough persists for more than a week or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, difficulty breathing, or wheezing, it is important to consult a healthcare provider. They can determine if the cough is due to a common cold, flu, asthma, allergies, or something more serious.

In the meantime, you can help alleviate your child’s cough by ensuring they stay hydrated, using a cool-mist humidifier, and avoiding exposure to smoke or other irritants. Over-the-counter cough medicines are generally not recommended for children under the age of 6, so be sure to follow your healthcare provider’s advice.

Treating a child’s cough at home

To manage a child’s cough at home, encourage hydration, rest, and a healthy diet. Refrain from using over-the-counter cough medicines in young children. Home remedies such as honey and the use of a humidifier can provide relief.

Treatment is not always needed

Treat cough symptoms only if they cause discomfort or disrupt sleep.

A persistent nighttime cough in a healthy child could have various underlying causes. Learn about the reasons and practical advice from Kathleen Gradoville, a pediatric pulmonologist.

What Does a Persistent Cough in a Child with No Other Symptoms Mean?

If your child experiences a nighttime cough without other symptoms, it could be due to lingering viruses, acid reflux, or allergies triggering post-nasal drip.

If your child has a persistent nighttime cough, consult a doctor. This cough could be related to asthma or allergies, with asthma symptoms often worsening during the night. To alleviate an asthma-related cough, ensure your child takes their prescribed medications and eliminates triggers such as pet dander. Supportive care can help alleviate cough symptoms in children without asthma. Consider allergy medication, fluids, honey, nasal suction, elevating the pillow, and steam. Additionally, be aware that a cough can be wet or dry, indicating different conditions like allergies, colds, or reflux. If your child’s cough persists, seek medical advice.