What To Do About Your Child's Persistent Cough
Coughs are a fact of life, not just for kids, but for all of us. As parents, we can sometimes be overly wary about the slightest symptom in a child, even if there’s nothing really underlying it. However, when a cough gets persistent, it’s important to be vigilant to protect their health. As such, here, we’re going to look at what you should do if you think that your child’s cough might really be something more than just a little irritation.
Keep An Eye On Their Symptoms
Persistent coughs can be caused by anything from spending too much time in a dusty environment to allergies and infections. You should keep an eye and an ear on the cough, seeing how long it lasts, whether it’s dry or they produce anything when they do it, as well as any other symptoms like fever, wheezing, or fatigue. This information helps healthcare providers identify the root cause. If you notice any commonalities in coughing fits, such as happening at night or after exercise, take note. If the cough continues beyond two weeks or worsens, it’s important to seek medical advice.
Check For Allergies And Asthma
One of the most common causes of a chronic cough in kids is an allergic reaction to some kind of particles, whether it’s pollen, pet dander, mold, dust mites, or others. Allergic reactions and asthma can cause coughing, especially at night or after physical activity. If you suspect allergies, observe potential environmental triggers and consider allergy testing. For asthma, your pediatrician might recommend inhalers or other medications. Creating a clean, allergen-free environment at home can also help reduce symptoms. If you can get an early diagnosis of allergies or asthma, you can start managing them in the long term now.
Have A Specialist Take A Look
If there’s no clear external cause of the coughing, then you may want to enlist the help of a specialist. A pediatric ENT (or Ear, Nose, and Throat) doctor can provide expertise in upper respiratory conditions that could cause chronic coughing, such as sinus infections, enlarged tonsils, or postnasal drip. They can perform specialized exams to identify structural or infection-related causes often missed in general evaluations. They can offer a much more thorough look to identify the internal causes of chronic coughing fits.
Should You Use Over-The-Counter Medicines?
At some point, you may be tempted to use over-the-counter cough medicines, but this may not actually help and, in some cases, may even be harmful to young children. These medications often mask symptoms without addressing the underlying cause, potentially delaying a proper diagnosis. Instead, focus on natural, paediatrician-approved remedies such as honey (for kids over a year old,) warm fluids, and steam inhalation. If you want to give your child any medication, then it’s recommended you check in with their doctor first, at which point it may be worth having them take a look.
A cough alone may not be enough to warrant any concerns, but if it’s frequent or particularly rough, then it’s worth looking closer into. Hopefully, the tips above help you do that.