Your Child’s Cough: A Guide for Parents

Your Child’s Cough: When your little one starts coughing, it’s their body’s natural response kicking in.

A cough is like a reflex action that helps clear out any gunk in their throat and chest. It kicks in when certain nerves in those areas get ticked off.

It’s one of those typical signs that your kiddo might have caught a cold or some other pesky virus, like the flu. But if it’s viral, no antibiotics will work. Viral bugs need to run their course.

What Might Be Causing Your Child’s Cough

Here are some things to consider:

• Are there any other symptoms tagging along?
• A cough paired with a runny nose and sneezing could mean a common cold.
• If your child’s feeling achy all over and running a fever, it might be the flu.
• When did the cough start?
• If it’s spring or fall, allergies might be the culprit.

What does the cough sound like?

Different types of coughs can give clues:

• A barking cough could signal allergies, viral infections, or even croup.
• A “hoop” noise might indicate whooping cough (pertussis), which warrants a call to the doctor.
• Wheezing could suggest an obstruction in the airway, possibly due to pneumonia or asthma.

What if your child’s cough lingers?

It’s time to visit the doctor. While most coughs clear up in a few weeks, some hang around longer. For kids, a cough lasting over 4 weeks is considered chronic; for adults, it’s 8 weeks or more.

How Should You Treat a Cold or Flu-Induced Cough?

Always check with your doctor before giving any cough medicine to your child. Avoid over-the-counter cough meds for kids under 4—they’re not safe. Even those labeled for children can have serious side effects like high blood pressure or seizures.

Although there’s no magic cure for a virus-induced cough, some treatments can help ease symptoms. Here are a few home remedies to consider:

• Steam: Turn your bathroom into a mini steam room by running hot water in the shower. The steam helps clear up your child’s stuffy nose.
• Humidity: A cool-mist humidifier in your child’s room adds moisture to the air, making it easier for them to breathe.
• Hydration: Encourage them to drink plenty of fluids like water or juice to thin out the mucus in their throat.
• Cough drops: For kids older than 5, lozenges or hard candy can soothe a sore throat.
• Cool air: Taking your child outside for a bit might help if they have croup. But make sure they’re dressed appropriately for the weather. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical help.
• Saline drops: Putting saline or saltwater drops in their nose can help loosen congestion.

Most of the time, symptoms will fade away on their own. But keep an eye on your child and call the doctor if:

• They’re not eating or drinking enough
• They’re making a whooping sound while breathing
• They have a high fever
• They’re wheezing when breathing
• The cough lasts more than a month
• They just don’t seem right to you

Seek emergency help if your child:

• Coughs up blood
• Has bluish lips, face, or tongue
• Struggles to breathe

Sources:

Boston Children’s Hospital: “KidsMD Health Topics: Cough.”
FamilyDoctor.org: “OTC Cough and Cold Medicines and My Child.”
H. Dele Davies, MD, pediatric and infectious diseases consultant, University of Nebraska Medical Center.
KidsHealth.org: “Coughing.”
Medline Plus: “Cough.”
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: “What is Cough?”
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: “Allergy Facts and Figures.”
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: “Get Set for Winter Illness Season.”