Every year, 5% to 10% of children in the United States are affected by chronic coughs, resulting in 30 million doctor visits annually.

While a cough from a common cold typically goes away within a month, persistent coughing may indicate a more serious underlying issue.

Why Does Coughing Happen?

Coughing is the body’s way of clearing the airways when irritants are detected. If a cough lasts longer than four weeks, seeking medical advice is recommended.

Specialists can identify common causes of coughs and suggest appropriate treatments if needed.

Common Causes of Children’s Coughs

Children can develop a cough due to allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, or post-nasal drip, especially when lying down.

Healthcare providers pay attention to the characteristics of a cough to identify potential underlying conditions.

Identifying Asthma Through Coughing

Asthma can manifest as a chronic cough, especially at night due to nighttime asthma symptoms.

Diagnosing asthma involves conducting a pulmonary function test to detect reversible airflow obstruction.

Potential Dangers of Whooping Cough

Whooping cough, or pertussis, can lead to uncontrollable coughing and severe complications like pneumonia or seizures.

Getting vaccinated is crucial in preventing life-threatening complications associated with pertussis.

Children with cystic fibrosis may also experience poor weight gain, salty-tasting skin, and difficulty breathing.

It is important for parents to be aware of these signs and symptoms and seek medical attention if they suspect their child may have cystic fibrosis.

Early diagnosis and treatment can help improve the quality of life for children with cystic fibrosis.

Indicators to Watch For

Coughing while eating could signal aspiration. Speech-language pathologists conduct tests to diagnose this condition.

Other indicators to watch for include difficulty swallowing, frequent pneumonia or respiratory infections, gurgling sounds in the throat, and feeling like food is getting stuck in the throat.

If you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention to prevent further complications.

Managing Acid Reflux-Related Coughs

Acid reflux can exacerbate chronic coughs in children with respiratory issues. Certain foods may trigger acid reflux and lead to coughing.

Here are some tips for managing acid reflux-related coughs:

• Avoid trigger foods such as spicy, acidic, or fatty foods.
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals to prevent acid reflux.
• Avoid eating close to bedtime to give your body time to digest food before lying down.
• Elevate the head of your bed to prevent stomach acid from creeping up into the esophagus while you sleep.
• Consider using a wedge pillow to keep your upper body elevated during sleep.
• Consult a doctor if you suspect that your child’s chronic cough is related to acid reflux, as they may need medication or other treatments to manage their symptoms.

By making lifestyle changes and seeking medical advice when needed, you can effectively manage acid reflux-related coughs in children with respiratory issues.

Addressing Foreign Object-Related Coughs

A chronic cough following a choking incident may indicate the presence of a foreign object in the airway, potentially causing pneumonia.

If you suspect that a foreign object is stuck in someone’s airway, it is important to seek medical help immediately. Do not attempt to remove the object yourself, as this can cause further harm. Instead, call emergency services and follow their instructions while waiting for help to arrive.

In the meantime, you can perform back blows and abdominal thrusts (also known as the Heimlich maneuver) to try to dislodge the object. Make sure to stay calm and focused during this emergency situation.

Dealing with Habit Coughs

Habit coughs may necessitate therapy to retrain abnormal reflexes in children. Taking sips of water can help alleviate habit-related coughing.

If uncertain about consulting a doctor, monitor your child’s symptoms as they can worsen over time. Serious illnesses typically show progressive deterioration.

Cough

A normal cough usually lasts 3-4 weeks and assists the body in combating infections.

Noisy chests or chesty coughs are common with colds and don’t always signify a chest infection.

It’s normal for healthy children to experience 7-10 coughs per year, which doesn’t indicate immune system problems.

Some children, including siblings, may get sick more often than others, which is normal – some children simply cough more frequently and severely.

Fever

A temperature above 37.5°C indicates a fever, a natural response to illness that stimulates the immune system to fight off infections.

Although a high temperature may signify a more severe illness, it typically resolves on its own.

In rare cases, young children may have a fever-related seizure, which can be frightening but is usually not harmful.

Changes in Eating and Drinking Habits

Illness may cause children to eat and drink less, but staying hydrated is crucial to prevent dehydration, especially in cases of vomiting.

Look out for signs of dehydration such as drowsiness, dry eyes/mouth, or reduced urine output.

Disrupted Sleep Patterns

A normal cough can disrupt a child’s sleep, but honey or vapor rubs can improve sleep quality in children over one year old.

Administering child paracetamol and ibuprofen can help alleviate pain or fever affecting sleep.

Vomiting

Vomiting is a common symptom of childhood illnesses and may result from coughing or a gastrointestinal infection, often accompanied by diarrhea.

Presence of Colored Phlegm or Mucus

Colored phlegm or mucus often accompanies a cough, indicating the body’s defense mechanisms are at work.

Pain and Discomfort

Children may experience pain or discomfort when coughing, typically relieved by child paracetamol or ibuprofen.

Fatigue and Low Energy

A cough can make a child feel fatigued, as the body requires rest to combat illness. Seek medical attention if a child becomes unresponsive or experiences severe coughing fits.

Breathing Difficulties

A cough may cause a child’s breathing to sound chesty or wheezy. Severe breathing problems warrant immediate medical intervention.

When to Seek Medical Assistance for a Dry Cough

A dry cough, on the other hand, is often associated with asthma, allergies, or environmental factors such as dry air. If your child’s cough is persistent, especially at night or during physical activities, it may be a sign of asthma. It’s important to monitor your child’s symptoms and consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and management.

In cases where environmental factors are the cause of a dry cough, such as dust or pet dander, taking steps to minimize exposure can help alleviate symptoms. Using a humidifier in the bedroom, avoiding known triggers, and keeping indoor air clean can all contribute to reducing the frequency and severity of a dry cough.

Preventing Coughs in Children

While it’s difficult to completely prevent coughs in children, there are steps you can take to reduce their frequency and severity. Encouraging hand hygiene, ensuring your child gets enough sleep, and promoting a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables can all help support a strong immune system.

If your child is prone to respiratory issues, such as asthma or allergies, working with a healthcare provider to develop an action plan can be beneficial. This plan can outline steps to take in case of a cough or other respiratory symptoms, helping to manage the condition proactively.

Overall, understanding the different types of coughs and their causes can help you better care for your child’s respiratory health. By staying informed and seeking medical assistance when needed, you can ensure your child receives the appropriate treatment and support for their cough symptoms.

Tips for Managing Coughs in Children

For children aged 3 months to 1 year, focus on keeping them hydrated. Children over one year old may benefit from honey to soothe a sore throat. Research shows that honey is more effective than cough syrups in reducing nighttime coughing frequency. Using a humidifier at night can also help alleviate airway irritation. Proper maintenance of the humidifier is crucial to prevent mold and bacterial growth.

If a child with a cough or congestion is happy, playing normally, and sleeping well, treatment may not be necessary unless the symptoms cause discomfort or disrupt sleep.