types of cough in children

Coughs can sound very different depending on what’s causing them. Some of the most common types include:

• Dry cough: Often caused by colds, allergies or irritants like smoke or dry air
• Wet cough (productive): Usually linked to infections like bronchitis or pneumonia
• Barking cough: A classic sign of croup, which is common in babies and toddlers
• Whooping cough: Caused by pertussis, a serious bacterial infection with a distinctive “whoop” sound
• Nighttime cough: May signal post-nasal drip, asthma or reactive airway disease

common causes of pediatric cough

Coughs are typically caused by:

• Viral infections (cold, flu, RSV)
• Post-nasal drip or allergies
• Asthma
• Exposure to environmental irritants like smoke
• Acid reflux
• Bacterial infections (e.g. pneumonia or pertussis)

In most cases, coughing is the body’s way of clearing the airways. But if a child’s cough lasts more than 10 to 14 days or is paired with other symptoms, it’s time to check in with your pediatrician.

symptoms that signal something more serious

Here are some red flags that indicate your child’s cough may require medical evaluation:

• Cough lasting longer than 2 weeks
• Fast or labored breathing
• High fever (especially over 104°F or lasting more than 3 days)
• Chest pain or wheezing
• Coughing fits that cause vomiting or exhaustion
• Blue lips or fingertips
• Trouble eating, drinking or sleeping
• Cough sounds like a bark or a whoop

If your child is younger than 3 months and has any cough, it’s important to call your provider right away.

how to treat a child’s cough at home

For mild coughs, especially those caused by colds or post-nasal drip, try these home remedies:

• Keep your child hydrated
• Use a humidifier in their bedroom
• Encourage rest and quiet time
• Offer warm liquids like soup or herbal tea
• Try honey for children over 1 year (do not use in infants)

Always avoid cough and cold medicines in children under 4 unless specifically prescribed by a doctor.

cough concerns by age group

While coughing is common at every age, what’s considered normal—and what’s a red flag—can vary depending on your child’s stage of development. Here’s what to watch for:

infants (0–12 months)

A cough in infants should always be taken seriously. Babies under 1 year old have smaller airways and weaker immune systems, so even a mild cough can escalate quickly. Look out for:

• Any cough in a baby younger than 3 months
• Trouble feeding or refusing to eat
• Pauses in breathing or very rapid breathing
• Wheezing or grunting sounds
• Signs of dehydration (fewer wet diapers, dry mouth)

Coughs in infants are often caused by RSV, which can lead to bronchiolitis, a lower respiratory infection that may require hospital care.

toddlers (1–3 years)

In toddlers, coughs are most commonly triggered by viral infections or post-nasal drip from allergies. Toddlers can’t always express discomfort clearly, so watch for:

• Barky coughs (which may signal croup)
• Nighttime coughing or coughing after activity
• Coughs that lead to vomiting or exhaustion
• Sudden onset of coughing, which may signal choking or a swallowed object

preschool and school-age children (4–12 years)

At this age, coughing may be triggered by asthma, allergies or environmental irritants. Signs to watch for include:

• Coughing during or after exercise
• Persistent nighttime coughs
• Coughs that worsen seasonally or with weather changes
• Coughing after meals, which could suggest reflux

when is coughing considered chronic?

Most coughs in children clear up within 1 to 2 weeks, especially if they’re caused by a common cold or mild viral infection. But when a cough sticks around, or keeps coming back, it may be a sign of an underlying condition.

A chronic cough is defined as:

• Lasting more than 4 weeks in children
• Lasting more than 8 weeks in adults

Possible causes of chronic cough include:

• Asthma
• Allergies or post-nasal drip
• Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
• Environmental irritants (like smoke or mold)
• Lingering respiratory infections

If your child’s cough won’t go away, your pediatrician may recommend testing like a chest X-ray, allergy screening or breathing tests to identify the cause.

when to call the doctor

Parents often wonder when to take their child to the pediatrician for a cough. The short answer: when you’re unsure, always call. But specifically, reach out if:

• Your baby or toddler has trouble breathing
• The cough gets worse instead of better after a few days
• Your child is unusually tired or irritable
• Over-the-counter treatments aren’t helping
• There are underlying conditions like asthma or allergies

If your child has asthma and is coughing more than usual, check their asthma action plan and follow the recommended steps.

If your child’s pediatrician is unavailable, visit one of Dayton Children’s Kids Express locations. View wait times and save your spot online.