Your Child, Coughs and What They Mean

As a mom or dad, you tend to worry when your child coughs because it might mean your daughter (or son) is ill. But all coughs aren’t alike or have the same cause. 

Quality meets reliability at the office of Kiddies' Pal Pediatrics. Our service and top-notch attention to our patients set us apart from the rest. Your child’s wellness and healing start with us. 

Here’s a look at coughs, what they might indicate and how they can be treated. 

Some expulsions of air that disperse fluid from the throat and chest are simply spontaneous reflexes meant to moisturize a dry throat, banish inhaled dust or eject innocuous mucus. 

If her cough is persistent, take a deeper dive. A cough with sneezing and a runny nose could indicate a cold. Sneezes, a runny nose with a fever and body aches could signal the flu (influenza). Coughs due to allergies are most common in the fall and spring. 

A cough like a high-pitched seal or dog bark could signal a viral infection or croup (a condition that irritates and swells your child’s upper airways). A cough that sounds like a “hoop” is cause to call a pediatrician, as it could be the bacterial infection whooping cough. 

Consult with a pediatrician before administering cough medicine. Over-the-counter cough meds aren’t for kids under age 4. Even medicine labeled for children can have serious side effects, such as seizures and high blood pressure.

Wheezing might mean something is blocking her airway, maybe due to asthma or pneumonia. Call a pediatrician right away. If your little one’s cough persists for more than four weeks, it’s not necessarily an emergency, but again, consult with a pediatrician. 

Soothing Home Treatments

Close the door to your smallest bathroom that has a shower. Blast the hot water and sit with your child for about 10 minutes. The steam will help unclog her airways. 

Moisturize your child’s bedroom air using a cool-mist humidifier. It will disperse congestion and aid her breathing. 

Lots of water or fruit juice will weaken her throat mucus and make it easier to cough up phlegm. 

Lastly and most importantly, seek emergency help if your child coughs up blood, has trouble breathing, or her lips, face or tongue turns blue. 

Experience the difference that the office of Kiddies' Pal Pediatrics makes. We bring our patients elevated standards and impeccable professionalism. We look forward to providing your child with medical care you can trust. Please call us today to schedule an appointment.