Decode the Cough
Coughing is the body’s natural mechanism for protecting the airways and preventing infection. Aside from causing worry in most parents and being a bother for kids, the dreaded cough can be the first sign of an on-coming illness or an indicator that your body is in tip top shape! There are also some red flag signs and symptoms of cough that every parent should know! So, continue reading along to learn how to decode your child’s cough!
THE DRY COUGH
This is typically a sign of some sort of irritation along the upper respiratory tract (think sinuses, throat or vocal cords) and is often worse during bed time, when kids are laying down. As you can imagine all the mucous and post nasal drip can settle in the airways in this position. Persistent or lingering dry cough in children can also be an indicator of acid reflux, allergies or undiagnosed asthma. If you are concerned for any of these things, please consult your child’s pediatrician/provider.
THE WET COUGH
Due to irritation of the lower airways caused by mucus. Often associated with viruses or allergic rhinitis. A wet cough is not necessarily concerning. However red flag symptoms including the cough getting progressively worse, lingering beyond 2-3 weeks or associated with fever and respiratory distress can be concerning for pneumonia, bacterial bronchitis or acute sinusitis. Again, if you are concerned, please consult your child’s pediatrician/provider.
THE BARKING COUGH
Most often associated with croup. This viral illness causes inflammation below the vocal cords, which can lead to that high pitched whistling noise when your child breathes in also known as stridor. Cool air and sometimes oral steroids are needed to help your child feel better. Red flag symptoms include any signs of respiratory distress (really loud stridor, nasal flaring, rapid breathing, retractions, shortness of breath)
THE WHEEZY COUGH
Mostly associated with asthma. Children with asthma tend to cough more in the evening time and during active play. However, unlike the sporadic night time cough associated with viruses, an asthmatic cough worsen in the middle of the night and is prolonged. Imagine your child coughing for 20-30 minutes straight! Please consult your pediatrician for an asthma action plan and to make sure that your child’s medication regimen is optimized.
THE ASPIRATION ASSOCIATED COUGH
A dry hacking cough that usually occurs after a subtle choking episode. This can also be a sign that there may still be something lodged in your child’s lungs or airway, especially if the cough lingers with no associated runny nose or other cold-like symptoms. Please seek urgent medical attention if there is suspicion that there is something remaining in the lungs.
YOU GOT THIS !
Hopefully, this overview of some of the most commonly seen coughs in children was helpful. Treatment for cough is not always needed, especially if your child is happy, playing normally and getting adequate rest. Your child’s body has the innate ability to heal itself and the immune system acts as an awesome side kick! However, please seek medical attention if your child is exhibiting any signs of respiratory distress or your spidey senses are going off indicating that there is something more serious going on.
