Cough

A cough serves as a vital reflex safeguarding your child's airway, and various underlying factors can trigger it. We have previously discussed distinct cough types, such as the seal bark-like cough of croup, the wheezing-related whistling cough, or the common cold-associated cough.

However, other reasons for your child's cough can include allergies, allergic rhinitis (which stems from post-nasal drip), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (sometimes presenting subtly with no other accompanying symptoms), and sinus infections (manifested in prolonged colds exacerbated as nasal passages accumulate mucus). Pertussis (whooping cough) is characterized by severe coughing spells culminating in the distinctive "whoop" sound, typically affecting infants. Fortunately, we administer a pertussis vaccine from the age of 2 months as part of the DTaP vaccine, which also includes diphtheria and tetanus. Additionally, there is now a pertussis booster vaccine available for adolescents and adults.

Most coughs tend to worsen at night, often due to the horizontal sleeping position, while others may intensify during the day in response to factors like cold air or exercise-induced asthma or wheezing.

Although some coughs may not necessitate immediate medical attention, please schedule a visit to our clinic if any of the following occur:

1. Your child experiences difficulty breathing or is working harder than usual to breathe.
2. Shortness of breath or stridor, characterized by a harmonical breath sound during inhalation.
3. The cough is accompanied by a high fever.
4. You observe any change in color, particularly blue around the mouth.
5. If there's any presence of blood in the cough.
6. Wheezing is noticed, and there's no existing asthma care plan provided by your physician.
7. The classic "whoop" associated with pertussis.
8. Infants who have been coughing for an extended period.

What can you do at home to alleviate your child's cough?

1. If your child has asthma, initiate the care plan discussed with your pediatrician. If there's no established plan, seek immediate evaluation.
2. As mentioned in the croup section, if a seal bark-like cough emerges, take your child into the bathroom after a hot shower, allowing the steam to surround them, aiding relaxation. If there's no improvement, bring your child in for immediate evaluation.
3. Invest in a cool-mist humidifier for your child's room, as added moisture can be beneficial.
4. Ensure your child stays well-hydrated and gets sufficient rest.
5. Use saline nasal sprays to address nasal congestion.
6. Based on research supporting its use, consider administering 2 teaspoons of honey before bedtime for children aged 2 years and older. Never give honey to children under 1 year of age due to the risk of infantile botulism.
7. Comply with the latest recommendations regarding over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medications, which discourage their use for children under 4 years of age, as their effectiveness lacks robust data, and there are concerns related to overdosing.

At Pediatrics & Adolescents Clinic, we prioritize your child's health and comfort, providing comprehensive guidance and care during cough-related challenges and various health concerns.