When to be Concerned About a Cough? Most coughs in children are nothing to be worried about, but there are some instances when you should be concerned and contact your health care provider immediately. These include: · A child with difficulty breathing or who is working harder to breathe · A child who is breathing faster than normal · A child who looks blue or gray in the face, lips, chest or inside the mouth (call 911) · When the cough is accompanied by a high fever (over 102 or any fever in a child under 3 months) · An infant under 3 months who has been coughing for more than a few hours · An infant or child who makes a “whooping” noise when he breathes in after coughing · An infant who is unable to suck/feed · A child who is coughing up blood · A child who has stridor (a harsh “whistling” noise) when inhaling · A child who wheezes (a high-pitched whistling noise) when exhaling · A child who is listless or cranky · A child who coughs constantly or cannot sleep due to the cough So what can you do for your child when they are coughing? If your child has an occasional cough that is not interfering with their sleep, it is best to just let them cough. The cough is the body’s way of expelling things from the lungs that shouldn’t be there. If your child’s cough is just occasional, these tips may help. · Run a cool mist humidifier in his room at night. Saline drops and suction or encouraging a child to blow his nose often will help with congestion and may help minimize a cough because it will decrease the amount of postnasal drip. · If your child has asthma, you should follow the asthma management plan your child’s doctor has prepared. If you are unsure or you do not have a plan, call the doctor immediately. · If your child has a “barky” cough, take him into the bathroom with the door closed, turn on the hot water and let the room get steamy. Stay in the steamy room for about 20 minutes and the cough should subside. If it does not improve, call the doctor. · Cool clear liquids (such as water or juice) may be helpful and soothe a child’s throat. Carbonated beverages and citrus juices should be avoided though because they can irritate raw areas in the throat. · Do not give over the counter or prescription cough or cold medications to your child (especially those under 2) without contacting your child’s health care provider first. Of course, if you have a question about your child’s symptoms or their cough, you should contact their health care provider and get advice about what to do. This information is not a substitute for the advice of a doctor. | Humidity: If the air in your home is dry, use a humidifier. Moist air keeps the nose and airway from drying out. Run a warm shower for a while to help put moisture in the air. Treatment is Not Always Needed: · If symptoms aren’t bothering your child, they don’t need medicine or any treatment. Many children with a cough or cold are happy, play fine and sleep well. · Only treat symptoms if they cause discomfort or wake your child up. Treat a cough if it's hacking and really bothers your child. · Fevers are helpful. Only treat them if they slow your child down or cause some discomfort. That does not occur until 102° F (39° C) or higher. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) can be given. Use to treat higher fever or pain. (See Dose tables) · Many parents used to head straight to the drug aisle of their local pharmacy when their child would get the sniffles. But the American Academy of Pediatrics warns that over-the-counter medications to treat coughs and colds aren't safe for children under 2 and may not work or could seriously harm children under 6. |