Causes of Coughing in Children

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Buffalo, New York, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) February 24, 2012 -- There are a number of infectious and non-infectious causes of coughing in children. Infections from viruses are one of the most common causes of cough during childhood. These infections are usually short-lived and resolve on their own after 7-10 days. Bacterial infections can also cause coughing in children. Tuberculosis, pertussis (also called “whooping cough”), and pneumonia are all caused by bacteria, and all can cause coughing in children.

However, children may also develop a cough even if they don’t have an infection. Asthma or allergies are a common cause of chronic cough; this condition is a result of swelling in the airways, which makes it difficult for the child to breathe. Children with asthma may cough frequently, or only when there is something to trigger the cough.

Causes and management of coughing in children

Almost all children will suffer from a cough at some point during their childhood. Coughing is a common symptom of many diseases; children are prone to developing infections and illnesses as their immune systems are still developing and not yet able to fight off everything that an adult’s body can. Usually, coughing will resolve spontaneously and will not require any medication, or even a trip to the doctor.

In healthy individuals, coughing is a normal reflex that clears germs, irritants, and mucus from the airways. Coughing prevents dangerous substances from getting into the lungs, where those substances could cause difficulty breathing. However, coughing can also be a sign of sickness or a chronic problem.
Preventing coughing in children

Any parent who has cared for a child with a cough has seen the discomfort it can cause. Inevitably, most children will develop a cough at some point from some type of minor infection. However, the pertussis vaccine (part of the Tdap vaccine series) can prevent whooping cough in children. Parents can also prevent cough by making sure that there are no irritants in the home, such as tobacco smoke. If a child has asthma, parents can prevent coughing and asthma attacks by avoiding asthma triggers that have been identified by a physician.

Managing coughing in children

Most of the time, a child’s cough just need time, rest, and plenty of fluids to resolve. If a child has a minor cough for a short time, parents can focus on making the child comfortable and waiting for improvement. A cough may be accompanied by a fever; if this is the case, a fever reducer may be helpful. Check with your pediatrician before giving any medication to your child. For children under six months of age, continue exclusive breastfeeding and do not administer any medication without talking to a physician. Some parents rely heavily of over-the-counter (OTC) medications to manage coughing in children; keep in mind that most OTC medications are not recommended for children under age 6.

Chronic coughing should be managed based on the cause of their cough. This treatment should be discussed with and approved by a physician. Children with asthma should have an asthma action plan, developed with a physician, to be able to aid with management of asthma attacks.
Warning signs for coughing in children: when to see a doctor

You may need to see a doctor for coughing in children if your child is having difficulty breathing or breathing more quickly than usual. Your child may also need to see a doctor if they have a high fever, if they are coughing up blood, or if they have wheezing. If your child makes a “whooping” sound when coughing, take them to see a physician, especially if they have not been vaccinated against pertussis. As noted above, coughing during childhood is usually not serious, and most of the time your child will get better on their own.
Home remedies for coughing in children

For children over 6 months of age, 1-2 teaspoons of honey can help relieve the discomfort associated with coughing. Coughing sometimes comes with a scratchy throat. Soft foods like yoghurt or soup can help to relieve the scratchy feeling. If your child has nasal congestion along with a cough, saline drops can break up the mucus and make it easier to breathe. Coughing in children can usually be managed at home by making sure the child get plenty of rest and fluids.

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