What To Do When Children Cough
By Dr. Gary A. Weinberger
Cough is a common symptom of pediatric illnesses and a common concern of parents.
Coughing is usually associated with infections of the respiratory tract, including the common cold, flu, croup, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia. When these problems occur, children also often have fever, irritability, or breathing difficulties associated with the cough.
Infection is not the only cause of cough, however. For example, a cough that is worse at night may result from allergies or asthma. Also, cough is heard when the airway is irritated by something such as a small swallowed object or chemicals (tobacco smoke, perfumes, insecticides).
Parents should evaluate the nature of their child's cough before getting medical attention. However, the child needs evaluation by his pediatrician if any of the following symptoms occur:
- Difficulty breathing or blue skin color
- Whooping noise after a series of multiple coughs
- Fever (temperature above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Cough persisting more than seven days
The pediatrician may request additional tests such as a chest X-ray to evaluate the cough. Treatment is determined by the cause of the cough and may or may not include antibiotics.
Coughing symptoms may improve with several home remedies, and parents can try the hollowing:
As with other medical problems, always consult a pediatrician for additional concerns or if the child's condition is not improving.
- Encourage the child to drink fluids
- Use a cool-mist humidifier, especially at night
- Elevate the head of the child's bed
- Use an over-the-counter cough medicine; these cough medicines may
- Contain an antihistamine and/or a decongestant, so follow instructions for dosage or consult your pediatrician.