![]() Treatment typically includes antibiotics. Depending on the child’s age, they may require hospitalization. If you suspect your child has whooping cough, call their pediatrician immediately. Since it is highly contagious, it is important that children and adults receive their pertussis vaccine. Pertussis is most common in children under one year of age who have not had their DTap vaccine, however it can occur at any age. The lack of breathing causes them to take a large gasp of air following coughing that sounds like a whooping noise. Whooping cough presents with back-to-back coughing fits that do not allow the child to breathe in between. Whooping CoughĪlso known as pertussis, whooping cough is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the airways, making it difficult to breathe. As always, if they have stridor, are working hard to breathe or are blue, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. In some cases, your child’s pediatrician may prescribe a dose of oral steroids, however, croup typically resolves on its’ own. Using a cool-mist humidifier and drinking plenty of fluids will also help their symptoms. The warm, moist air may help your child breathe easier. Spend about 15 minutes sitting in the bathroom with your child. You can also turn the shower on and let the bathroom get nice and steamy. To improve your child’s croupy cough, head outdoors where the air is cooler as this can cause their airways to relax. Croup is often accompanied by stridor, which is a whistling sound heard when inhaling. While the child’s cough may sound better during the day, it worsens at night. ![]() Croup causes swelling in the larynx and trachea, which can make breathing difficult. A virus usually causes croup, however, in some cases it can be caused by allergies or extreme nighttime temperature fluctuations. If your child’s cough sounds like a barking seal, she probably has croup. Cough drops may also provide some relief for both their sore throat and cough, but only if they are old enough to safely have them. Frozen Pedialyte pops are helpful in keeping them hydrated while they are ill. Using a cool mist humidifier while they sleep is also helpful, but be sure to thoroughly clean it daily so bacteria doesn’t develop in the system. If your child’s cough lingers for over a week and they have worsening nasal discharge, they may have developed a bacterial sinus infection, which may require an antibiotic.įor children too young to blow their nose, use a ball syringe to suction out the mucus in their nose. Viruses, however, cannot be treated with antibiotics. Most often wet coughs will go away on their own because viruses cause them. A wet cough is often accompanied with a runny nose and a sore throat. The wetness you hear in the cough is caused by mucus in your child’s airways. While most people cringe to hear it, when it’s your child, you want to fix it. ![]() We all know that icky, phlegmy cough that is an indication of illness. If your child is having difficulty breathing or if the cough makes it difficult to speak, eat or drink, call 911. If you suspect your child may have asthma, schedule an appointment with their pediatrician to have them evaluated. If your child is old enough for throat lozenges (usually 4 years and over), they may provide relief as well. To treat a dry cough, drinking fluids are very helpful, as are nose drops. If the dry cough occurs at night or when your child is physically active, it may be caused by asthma. This is the annoying, tickly cough that can be difficult to calm and has minimal production of mucous. Irritants such as dander, pollen and smoke are often the culprits. Dry CoughĪ dry, raspy cough is a sign of irritation. Learn which coughs you should be concerned about and how to treat their cough properly. Most parents’ ears perk up when their child coughs. However, sometimes that runny nose and cough is caused by something else, something more serious. ![]() The common cold is a frequent visitor to most families each year. The winter season brings cool weather and lots and lots of runny noses.
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