Coughing is one way the body gets rid of an irritant in the airways. Your kid’s cough could be due to a mere cold or a sign of a more severe problem. Babies under six months with coughs should see a pediatrician immediately, as it may be a sign of a more serious infection. Is your child coughing, hacking or wheezing? Learning the characteristics of the cough can help you determine the right kids care for your child. Here are four different types of coughs commonly found in young children and infants.
1. Barky Cough
It is usually a harsh, barking cough common in children aged six months to three years. It is often attributed to croup, which causes an inflammation of the larynx and windpipe. The child may produce a harsh pitching noise as they breathe, known as a ‘stridor’ that worsens at night. If your kid is struggling to breathe or the condition worsens, take them to pediatric doctors. You may alleviate the symptoms by taking them out. The cold air may soothe them and help them breathe. You can also provide plenty of fluids and a hot misty shower.
2. Cough with Fever
The baby may have a cough, which comes with fever, tiredness, and body aches. It may be a result of a common cold, which is caused by viral infections. Younger children are more susceptible to colds than adults. According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, kids catch between six and eight colds a year. If the fever worsens by the day, take your child to pediatric physicians as they could be suffering from pneumonia. For a cold, there is not much that you can do except provide plenty of fluids. You can also visit Pediatrix for your child well checks to get a flu shot as part of your kids care.
3. Wheezing Cough
You may hear a wheezing sound as your baby exhales. If the cough is gurgly and raspy, it could mean the airways in the lungs are swollen. It may be as a result of infections such as pneumonia or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV.) If you suspect an infection, take your child to the pediatricians for kids care. The wheezy sound may also be caused by asthma. You can help your child with the inhaler or nebulizer if you have the right instructions on controlling asthma attacks at home.
4. Whooping Cough
The child typically has a coughing bout that comes out as a ‘whoop.’ Your child may have a spell of back-to-back cough with a deep breath at the end. It may indicate the presence of a more severe infection: pertussis. The disease may attack kids who may not have gotten or finished their DPT booster shots. The infection is contagious, and all children should receive the pertussis vaccine at two months, four months, six months, 15-18 months.
Coughs are usually associated with the common cold. Learning the different types of coughs can help you determine the right kids care. Always seek pediatric care for children who have difficulty in breathing or whose condition worsens over time.
