Understanding cough in children

A Warning Sign

Once your child starts coughing, you need not get worried the same instant. Coughing usually means that something is wrong, but it is also bear witness to our organism trying to fight it. Since, there are numerous different ways of coughing, parents need to analyze their children while performing this action, in order to know what is causing it and which steps are to be taken in order to provide them with adequate treatment.

Coughs and Their Meanings

One of many coughs is the one producing and short but prominent sound similar to barking of a dog. This cough usually involves swelling in the upper part of your child's airways. Also his or her larynx or windpipe may be swollen, narrowing the air pathways, causing breathing difficulties which, thereby, trigger the specific coughing. These may take place during the night, even while sleeping.

On the other hand, whooping cough is, most often a clear sign of a bacterial infection of the air pathways. This cough is constant, with no breathing between the coughing fits. After the child stops coughing, he or she is likely to take a deep, whooping breath. This bacterium is quite contagious and may be transferred through the air, by getting inhaled by others. It mostly affects small children which have not yet been vaccinated against it.

As the list goes on, if your child's cough is accompanied by wheezing while breathing, the problem is swelling of the lower part of the airways caused by asthma, viral infection or a foreign object.

Many coughs have a mutual trait. This involves escalating at night due to mucus draining into the airways or the mere fact that human organism is more sensitive during this period. Regardless, cough may escalate during the day too. Smoking, or being exposed to smoke, animal hair and presence, cold air, and many other factors contribute to one's cough worsening.

As far as coughs with fevers are concerned, these are common indicators of a cold. However, if the body temperature is very high, more serious cases, like pneumonia, may be at hand.

Finally, sometimes, cough may irritate the stomach and cause your child to vomit. This is not a cause for concern unless it repeats several times. Generally, any coughing fit is serious only after lasting for more than 3 weeks. Then, you are highly advised to seek medical attention.

Steps To Be Taken

It is best to seek medical advice once you notice any escalations in your child's cough. Then, he or she will get some medications prescribed. Since most coughing causes are viral, resting is the best cure, since the virus will vanish once it finishes its course of action. Give your child medications only if the cough interferes with his or her sleep. Rather, give your child tea, make sure the air in your home is not high and irritating and consult with your doctor before giving any over-the-counter medications or other products.