From itchy, watery eyes and sneezing to overall discomfort and fever, it can be difficult to watch your child experience symptoms of various sicknesses and viruses. Coughing is another symptom that can affect your child's breathing, comfort level, and ability to sleep, but you may not even know why they are coughing and how to help your child find relief. With this guide, you will learn a few common types of coughs and how to help your child.
Wet Cough
If your child has a cold and they are coughing, they most likely have a wet cough. Also known as a productive cough, this type of cough produces phlegm/mucus, which your child may cough up during their illness.
Allow your child to cough up the mucus. They can cough it up into the sink or toilet or into a rag or tissue. A vaporizer or humidifier in your child's room can help reduce the mucus as well. In most cases, the wet cough will stop once your child has recovered from the cold.
Dry Cough
A dry cough is common in cases where your child is experiencing allergies or has asthma. The cough is dry, meaning there is no phlegm to actually cough up.
Dry coughs are usually simple and will go away on their own. However, if your child is experiencing a dry cough for a few days, talk to your pediatrician to determine if allergy or asthma treatment is needed.
Croup Cough
A loud barking-type of cough is known as croup. Unfortunately, this cough usually stems from an infection, either bacterial or viral, of the respiratory system. Because it is caused by an infection, medical treatment that may involve prescription antibiotics will be necessary.
Croup cough can be dangerous in infants because they have underdeveloped airways, so be sure to have your baby evaluated by a pediatrician. Monitoring your baby's breathing is also essential to ensure their airways stay clear.
Whooping Cough
Whooping cough is a type of dry cough that can last for many days. Also known as pertussis, whooping cough can be life-threatening, causing seizures, lung failure, pneumonia, and even brain damage.
If your child has a dry cough that is not improving, seek out immediate medical care to start treatment. Treatment may involve antibiotics and breathing treatments. It is important to note that pertussis is contagious, so you should make sure to limit your child's contact with other family members until they are better.
Talk to a pediatrician at a clinic like Better Foot Care LLC for more information on diagnosing your child's coughs.