A cough is one of the most common symptoms parents encounter in their children. It may seem simple, but understanding coughs, their causes, and treatments can help parents feel ready when their child gets sick.
Coughs in children can be the result of several things: infection, allergies, and acid reflux are all common culprits. Although many coughs are not serious, there are some cases where a cough can be potentially serious, particularly in infants.
We have unpacked three common types of coughs in children, helping parents better understand what they are dealing with and feel more prepared for when their child is sick.
A cough with wheezing is common when young children have a cold or chest infection . A wheezing or whistling sound when the child exhales is often means swelling lower in the respiratory system, restricting airflow.
A cough with wheezing is often due to an infection, like the common cold or bronchitis. The virus or bacteria causing the illness causes swelling in the lungs or airways. In some cases, wheezing can also be a sign of asthma; however, this is less common and can be challenging to diagnose in younger children and babies.
A barky cough is a distinct type of cough associated with a common condition called croup.
Croup is a respiratory illness that typically affects children under five years old. Croup is caused by a viral infection that leads to inflammation of the upper airways, including the larynx (voice box), trachea (windpipe), and bronchi (the passageways to the lungs). This inflammation causes the characteristic barking cough, often compared to the sound of a seal. Another croup cough symptom is a stridor, a harsh sound that happens when the child inhales, and is usually accompanied by a hoarse voice.
Croup is usually caused by viruses like respiratory syncytial virus (RSA), influenza virus, adenovirus, and enteroviruses, all of which are contagious. This means the underlying viruses are contagious; however, not every child who contracts these viruses will develop croup.
Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a bacterial infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. Signs of whooping cough in a child are back-to-back coughing fits followed by a swift intake of breath that sounds like a whoop – giving the infection its name. This contagious infection starts off with flu-like symptoms and a light cough and develops into a severe cough and difficulty breathing.
Whooping cough is extremely contagious and spreads through infected particles expelled from the mouth and nose when the patient coughs. Since the release of the vaccine, the number of whooping cough cases in adults has decreased, now primarily affecting infants and children who are too young to be vaccinated.
The exact treatment used will depend on the type of cough. For example, doctors use antibiotics to treat whooping cough but they will have no effect on viral-based croup coughs. A rule of thumb when it comes to a cough in children is to ensure that they drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated. Avoid fizzy drinks as these can make a sore throat feel worse.
Parents can use over-the-counter (OTC) cough medications to reduce coughing and help the child feel better faster. It is important to be selective about which medication you choose, particularly for babies, as not all medications are suitable for very young children. Look for a medication that is indicated as safe for use in young children, like Prospan, which can be used for children from 0 years. Another helpful action to look for in a cough syrup is one that includes anti-inflammatory properties. Since many of these coughs are caused or made worse by inflammation, having a cough syrup that addresses this problem may help prolong or remove the need for more aggressive anti-inflammatory treatments down the line.
Having a sick child is distressing for any parent, particularly when a cough is involved. It is always important to seek medical advice from a healthcare practitioner when dealing with a small child. However, by understanding the mechanics, signs, and causes of these common coughs and always keeping a suitable treatment on hand, parents can intervene quickly and avoid the problem becoming more serious.
