Ask the Expert: Children and coughs
Coughs are one of the most common symptoms of childhood illness. Although, a cough can sound awful, it’s not usually 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. However, your child’s cough can sometimes warrant a trip to the doctor. It is important to understand the different types of coughs children may get.
What kinds of coughs are there that may affect your child?
There are different coughs that can affect your child and it is important that you are aware of the differences between them all. Learning about the different signs and symptoms of a cough can help you be conscious the next time your child catches a horrible cough. You may debate whether or not you should head to the doctor’s office, and knowing what to look for may give you a better idea of how your child is feeling. A cough is usually wet or dry giving different signs to each one. A wet cough will sound “chesty” and phlegmy. A dry cough is less likely to produce phlegm (mucus) and can sound irritated, harsh, barking or whooping. Not only is there wet or dry coughs, but there is also a lengthy list of different coughs your child may have that range in severity.
•Barking cough: This cough is usually caused by croup, an inflammation of the larynx and trachea brought on by allergies, change in temperature at night or most commonly a viral upper respiratory infection. Children under the age of 3 years old will have this because of their narrow windpipe. This can occur suddenly in the middle of the night, which can be frightening to both your child and you. This cough can be managed at home, unless you notice that it worsens; you must call your child’s doctor to plan a visit.
•Whooping cough” In most cases if your child has whooping cough you will be able to tell because of the sound that occurs after the cough. When the child tries to take a breath after the cough it will actually make a whooping sound. If your child does make the whooping sound, it may mean that your child has pertussis, which is the whooping cough. This is a serious problem if you notice this in your infant because it may mean they are not getting enough oxygen or they may even stop breathing. You should call your doctor right away if you notice this in your infant because this could lead to death.
•Stridor cough: A stridor cough is usually noisy with harsh breathing when a child inhales. Most often this is caused by swelling of the upper airway, usually from viral croup. It can also be caused by a more serious infection called epiglottitis. This may mean that your child has a foreign object in the airway. If this may be the case for your child, it is important to call your child’s doctor right away.
When should you seek help?
It is important to take your child to the doctor if they are experiencing any of the following:
•If you child has persistent daily cough for longer than four weeks
•If your child is working hard on their breathing, breathing fast or have a high temperature
•If your child is not speaking normally or is unable to finish a whole sentence because of their coughing or breathing
•If they are wheezing or whistling in their chest
These are valid reasons as to why you should take your child to the doctor. You do not want to wait around for your child to become more ill or have their cough worsen with time. You should monitor your child daily, and if you notice their cough worsening or it does not sound normal its best to ask right away. Although coughs are common in young children and infants, it would not hurt to know about different coughs for the future.
Thomas M. Lee is a family medicine specialist at IU Health Ball Memorial Physicians in Hartford City. For more information, call (765) 348-5776 or visit iuhealth.org/blackford.