Possible cause: Seasonal virus
Coughs due to virus can get very loud and worrisome, but they don't always signal a major infection. Dr. Grenier suggests placing your hands on your child's chest as they cough. If it feels like a cat purring, not to worry - a cough is often amplified by the voice box in the chest. If your child is still eating, has energy and can sleep at night, they'll likely kick the cough in 7 to 10 days.
5. The cough that lasts weeks, with whistling or wheezing while exhaling
Possible cause: Seasonal virus in an asthmatic child
Dr. Grenier says when asthmatic kids pick up a seasonal virus, it can last for weeks. The same secretions experienced by non-asthmatic kids irritates the walls of the bronchi, and the muscles go into spasms. The bronchial tubes tighten, secretions worsen, and these kids get very tired, very fast. Parents or caregivers will hear wheezing or whistling as the child breathes out.
6. Cough with vomiting
Possible cause: Seasonal virus
If your child or baby has a cough, and throws up after coughing, it doesn't necessarily mean they have a more serious infection. "Their system is not a closed door - it's an open bucket!" explains Dr. Grenier. If a child or infant coughs hard enough, it will trigger the gag reflex and up will come their stomach contents. Again, observe your child. If he or she is still eating, drinking and can sleep, they'll get rid of their cough in 7 to 10 days, and the vomiting will also stop. Note: if your child coughs violently for over 2 weeks with vomiting, can't stop coughing and can't breathe, they may have pertussis - the whooping cough.
7. Coughing so much can't breastfeed
Possible cause: Pertussis, commonly known as the whooping cough
Nourishment is vital for infant development, and also to fight off any infection they may have. As stated above, pertussis in infants can present as bursts of coughs before turning red or blue. These babies are uncomfortable, will not feed well, and will weaken quickly.
Caution: No matter what a cough sounds or appears like, if coughing is preventing your baby from feeding, even from feeding well, your baby needs to be examined.
Practical tips for parents
Dr. Grenier offers these tips for parents when their kids are coughing:
• What is your first impression of your infant or child when you enter a room? Go with your gut feeling - a parent knows when something is 'off'.
• Is there a fever of 39C to 40C? Is your child miserable?
• Finally, if the cough is dragging, past 7 to 10 days, then there is something else going on. Go see your doctor when the cough is lingering, there is noise when they breathe in or out, or they are coughing so much they're not eating.
Read more:
- How to keep a cold to yourself
- Colds and the flu: Symtpoms and treatment
- Comforting chicken soup recipes for colds and the flu
