when to be concerned about a cough

in this article:

• what are the different types of coughs?
• how can I help my child feel better?
• when should I call the doctor?

Coughs are one of the most common symptoms of childhood illness. A cough can sound awful, but usually isn't a sign of a serious condition. In fact, coughing is a healthy and important reflex that helps protect the airways in the throat and chest.

what are the different types of coughs?
It's likely your child will develop a cough (or two) during childhood and most will resolve on their own, even though it may take a week or two. However, sometimes a cough needs a doctor's care. Understanding the different types of cough can help you know when to handle them at home and when to be concerned and call your doctor.

The most common types of coughs are:

• Nighttime cough: Lots of coughs get worse at night. When your child has a cold, the mucus from the nose and sinuses can drain down the throat and trigger a cough during sleep. This is only a problem if the cough won't let your child sleep.
• Cough with a fever- A child who has a cough, mild fever, and runny nose probably has a common cold. But coughs with a fever of 102°F (39°C) or higher can sometimes be due to pneumonia, especially if a child is weak and breathing fast. In this case, call your doctor right away.
• "Barky" cough: Barky coughs are usually caused by swelling in the upper airway. Most of the time, a barky cough comes from croup.
• Lasting (persistent) cough: Coughs caused by colds due to viruses can last weeks, especially if a child has one cold right after another. Asthma, allergies, or a chronic infection in the sinuses or airways also might cause lasting coughs. If your child still has a cough after 3 weeks, call your doctor.

Occasionally, your child's cough may involve another symptom, like:

• Cough with wheezing: If your child makes a wheezing (whistling) sound when breathing out (exhaling), this could mean that the lower airways in the lungs are swollen. This can happen with asthma or with the viral infection bronchiolitis.
• Cough with vomiting: Kids often cough so much that it triggers their gag reflex, making them throw up. Also, a child who has a cough with a cold or an asthma flare-up might vomit if lots of mucus drains into the stomach and causes nausea.

Though more rare, it's also possible that your child's coughing may be due to whooping cough. Whooping cough (pertussis) is an infection of the airways caused bacteria. Whooping cough can happen at any age, but is most severe in infants under 1 year old who did not get the pertussis vaccine and very contagious.

how can I help my child feel better?

To help your coughing child feel better:

• For a "barky" or "croupy" cough, turn on the hot water in the shower in your bathroom and close the door so the room will steam up. Then, sit in the bathroom with your child for about 20 minutes. The steam should help your child breathe more easily. Try reading a book together to pass the time.
• A cool-mist humidifier in your child's bedroom might help with sleep.
• Sometimes, brief exposure to cool air outdoors can relieve the cough. Make sure to dress your child appropriately for the outdoor weather and try this for 10–15 minutes.
• Cool beverages like juice can be soothing and it is important to keep your child hydrated. But do not give soda or orange juice, as these can hurt a throat that is sore from coughing.
• You should not give your child (especially a baby or toddler) OTC cough medicine without first checking with your doctor.
• If your child has asthma, make sure you have an asthma action plan from your doctor. The plan should help you choose the right asthma medicines to give.
• Cough drops are OK for older kids, but kids younger than 3 years old can choke on them. It's better to avoid cough drops unless your doctor says that they're safe for your child.

when should I call the doctor about a cough?

Always call your doctor if your child is coughing and:

• has trouble breathing or is working hard to breathe
• is breathing faster than usual
• has a blue or dusky color to the lips, face, or tongue
• has a high fever (especially if your child is coughing but does NOT have a runny or stuffy nose)
• has any fever and is younger than 3 months old
• is younger than 3 months old and has been coughing for more than a few hours

Here are a few more reasons to call your provider immediately if your child:

• makes a "whooping" sound when breathing in after coughing
• is coughing up blood
• has stridor (a noisy or musical sound) when breathing in
• has wheezing when breathing out (unless your doctor already gave you an asthma action plan)
• is weak, cranky, or irritable
• is dehydrated; signs include dizziness, drowsiness, a dry or sticky mouth, sunken eyes, crying with little or no tears, or peeing less often (or having fewer wet diapers)

If your child's primary care provider is unavailable, you can save your spot for a visit at one of Dayton Children’s four Kids Express locations in Beavercreek, Mason, Springboro or West Chester.

save your spot

Dayton Children’s has flu shots available and is encouraging everyone 6 months and older to get theirs by October 31 for the best protection. Getting vaccinated at least two to three weeks before flu season starts is key to staying healthy this season. The flu shot is available at Dayton Children's five Kids Express locations, for kids ages 6 months and older, and pharmacies, for kids ages 5 years and older. 

schedule your flu shot