Should You Take Your Child To The Doctor For A Cough?

If your family is like most, you probably go through a good amount of tissues and cans of soup during the cold season. There isn't a cure for the common cold, so it makes sense if you don't take your child to the doctor every time you hear him or her cough. But, how do you know that your child's cough is due to a cold? Learn how to determine what type of cough your child has so that you know how to treat it.

Phlegmy Cough

If your child has a cough that sounds like it's producing a good amount of mucus, and the cough is accompanied by a slightly sore throat, a runny nose, and watery eyes, your child probably has a common cold. It's common for children to get between six and ten colds per year, so chances are there's nothing for you to worry about. However, you should contact your child's pediatrician if your child has a fever and persistent green discharge, because your child could have developed a bacterial sinus infection, which needs to be treated with antibiotics.

Wheezy, Gurgly Cough

If you notice that your child has a cough that makes a raspy, whistling sound, the cold could have progressed to bronchiolitis. This is an infection that occurs in the small airways located in the lungs. It makes it difficult to breathe at times, so you might notice that your child starts breathing rapidly, becomes out of breath really easy, or has trouble drinking. If this is the case, you should take your child to the pediatrician. In most cases bronchiolitis, doesn't need to be treated by a physician. Mild cases will clear up without medication within 12 days. However, if your child's cough seems to worsen; he or she develops a fever; appears extremely tired or lethargic; is breathing rapidly; or could be dehydrated due to vomiting during coughing fits, you should make a doctor's appointment immediately. Children with severe cases of bronchiolitis may need to be hospitalized so they can be watched closely, given the proper amount of fluids, and take breathing treatments.

Dry Cough

If your child has developed a dry, persistent cough that seems to get worse at night or during active play time, the cough might be caused by asthma. When you have asthma, the airways in your lungs become inflamed easily and produce excess mucus, which makes breathing difficult. If you suspect that your child's cough is caused by asthma, you should contact your child's pediatrician immediately.

Coughs accompany numerous different illnesses, so it can be difficult to determine whether or not your child needs to see the pediatrician. Knowing the traits of different types of coughs can help you determine whether it's time to make a doctor's appointment. However, if you're unsure of what's causing your child's cough or your child has any trouble at all breathing, you should take him to her to the doctor immediately. To find out more, contact someone like Entira Family Clinics.