Understanding Your Child's Cough

What is a Cough?

Coughing is a reflex that clears a child's chest and lungs and can be either sudden or long-term, depending on the cause.

• It can be due to an infection, allergy, asthma, or an obstruction in the airway.
• If your child experiences nonstop coughing for more than 5 minutes, seek medical attention.

Types of Coughs

Coughs can vary in sound and occurrence, which can help determine the cause.

• Wet-sounding or dry
• Harsh or deep
• Barking or seal-like
• High-pitched or tight
• Coughing with eating, exercise, or exposure to pets or pollen

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause of the cough. Here are some general guidelines:

• Avoid irritants: Keep your child away from cigarette smoke.
• Coughing is beneficial: It helps clear mucus, which is usually swallowed and not a problem.
• Medication precautions:
  • Children under 6: Do not give cough and cold medicines or those made for older children.
  • Children 6 and older: Use cold and cough medicines as advised by a doctor.
• Other treatments:
  • Honey for children over 12 months at bedtime.
  • Cool mist humidifier in the room.
  • Avoiding cigarette smoke.
  • Follow-up with a doctor if advised.

Preventing Germ Spread

• Hand hygiene: Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based gel.
• Teach your child: To cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.

Returning to Daycare or School

Keep your child home until they feel better and have no fever for 24 hours without medication.

When to Call the Doctor

Call the doctor if your child has:

• A persistent cough with no interest in play.
• A cough after choking on an object.
• A new fever.
• New symptoms like chest pain, wheezing, or stomach pain.
• Difficulty taking prescribed medication.
• A cough that frequently wakes them up at night.

When to Call 911

Call 911 immediately if your child:

• Shows severe fatigue and weakness.
• Struggles to breathe or grunts while breathing.
• Has chest retractions or blue/purple nails, lips, or gums.
• Stops breathing for more than 10 seconds.
• Cannot talk while trying to breathe.
• Has a critical breathing problem needing immediate care.

Prolonged Cough

A cough lasting more than 10 days warrants a doctor's visit as it may indicate a more serious issue.

This information is provided by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Inc. and should not replace professional medical advice.