Thoughts from a Marque Dedicated Pediatric Provider
Coughs are one of the most common reasons parents seek medical care for their children. While many coughs are harmless and part of normal childhood illnesses, it can be stressful to hear your child coughing, especially at night or when symptoms linger.
Why Do Kids Cough?
Coughing is the body’s natural way of clearing mucus, germs, and irritants from the airways. In children, coughs are most often caused by:
- Viral upper respiratory infections (colds)
- Post-nasal drip from congestion
- Allergies
- Asthma or reactive airway disease
- Exposure to smoke or irritants
- Occasionally, bacterial infections
Most childhood coughs are viral and improve on their own within one to two weeks.
Different Types of Coughs and What They May Mean
- Dry cough: Often seen with viral infections, allergies, or asthma.
- Wet or productive cough: May sound “phlegmy” and can occur with colds or chest congestion.
- Barking cough: A seal-like cough may suggest croup, which is common in younger children.
- Wheezing cough: May indicate airway tightness, commonly associated with asthma or bronchiolitis.
- Nighttime cough: Frequently related to post-nasal drip, asthma, or reflux.
Listening to the quality of the cough and noticing when it occurs can provide helpful clues for your provider.
What You Can Do at Home
Many coughs can be managed with supportive care:
- Encourage plenty of fluids to thin mucus
- Use a cool-mist humidifier in the bedroom
- Elevate the head slightly during sleep (for older children)
- For children over 1 year old, honey may help soothe the throat
- Use a saline nasal spray or drops for congestion. There’s also a saline mister that works well, too.
- Ensure adequate rest
Over-the-counter cough and cold medications are generally not recommended for young children unless directed by a healthcare provider.
- Avoid giving honey to infants under 1 year
- Do not use adult cough medications for children
- Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke or vaping
- Do not force food if appetite is low, as long as fluids are tolerated
When to Seek Medical Care
You should have your child evaluated if they have:
- Difficulty breathing or fast breathing
- Wheezing or persistent chest tightness
- High or persistent fever
- Bluish lips or face
- A cough lasting more than two to three weeks
- Cough with vomiting repeatedly
- Poor feeding or signs of dehydration
- Severe fatigue or lethargy
These symptoms may indicate a condition that requires medical treatment.
Do Children Ever Need Antibiotics for Coughs?
Most coughs are caused by viruses, which do not respond to antibiotics. Antibiotics are only used if a bacterial infection is suspected or confirmed. Your provider will evaluate symptoms, exam findings, and possibly testing before deciding on treatment.
Reassurance for Parents
It is normal for children to experience several respiratory infections each year, especially if they attend daycare or school. While frequent coughs can be frustrating, most are part of healthy immune system development.
If you have concerns about your child’s cough, breathing, or overall condition, the team at Marque is here to help. Our dedicated pediatric providers can evaluate your child, determine the cause of symptoms, and create a personalized care plan.
Walk in or reserve your spot today for convenient, compassionate care.