What Is Cough in Children and When Is It Considered Prolonged?
A cough is a natural defense mechanism of the body against irritation in the respiratory tract. While cough seen in children is usually due to a temporary infection, a cough lasting more than three weeks is considered "chronic cough" or "prolonged cough." A cough can be classified according to its duration:
- Acute Cough: A cough lasting less than 3 weeks, usually due to viral infections.
- Subacute Cough: A cough lasting between 3 to 8 weeks.
- Chronic Cough: Coughs lasting more than 8 weeks are considered chronic.
A prolonged cough may indicate an ongoing infection, allergy, or another medical condition affecting the respiratory tract.
What Causes Prolonged Cough in Children?
There are many causes for a long-lasting cough in children. Common reasons include:
1. Upper Respiratory Infections
- Viral infections like colds, flu, and sinusitis can lead to prolonged coughing.
- These infections often cause nasal discharge and postnasal drip, prolonging the cough in children.
2. Asthma
- A dry, hacking cough that worsens at night or during exercise could be a sign of asthma.
- The risk is higher if there is a family history of asthma.
3. Allergic Reactions
- Reactions to allergens such as pollen, dust, animal dander, or mold can cause a prolonged dry cough in children.
4. Postnasal Drip Syndrome
- Mucus dripping down the throat due to sinusitis or allergies can prolong the cough.
- Cough that worsens in the morning or while lying down may indicate postnasal drip.
5. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Acid reflux into the esophagus can irritate the throat and lead to long-lasting cough.
- An increased cough at night, along with heartburn and swallowing difficulties, could be signs of reflux-related cough.
6. Smoke and Air Pollution
- Passive smoking and exposure to dusty and polluted air can irritate children's respiratory tracts and prolong the cough.
7. Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
- Pertussis, characterized by severe, hacking, and persistent coughing fits, can lead to weeks-long cough in children.
8. Tuberculosis
- If there is a prolonged, stubborn cough, along with symptoms like night sweats and weight loss, tuberculosis should be considered.
9. Foreign Objects in Respiratory Tract
- The risk of small objects accidentally entering the airways is one of the biggest concerns for young children.
- If there's a sudden onset followed by persistent cough, this should be considered.
When Should You See a Doctor for Prolonged Cough in Children?
You should see a doctor under the following conditions:
- If the cough lasts longer than 3 weeks
- If there is a high fever accompanying the cough
- If the child has difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or wheezing
- If the cough worsens at night and disrupts the child's sleep
- If there is blood in the cough
- If the child shows weight loss, loss of appetite, or weakness
These symptoms may indicate a more serious health issue and should be evaluated by a specialist.
How to Treat Prolonged Cough in Children? Treatment Methods
The treatment of prolonged cough varies based on the underlying cause. Here are some potential treatment methods:
1. Sufficient Fluid Intake
- Warm water, herbal teas, chicken soup, and freshly squeezed juices can have an expectorant effect and ease the cough.
2. Humidifying the Air
- Dry air can irritate the respiratory tract and prolong the cough.
- Using a humidifier at home or taking advantage of steam from a bath can be beneficial.
3. Honey and Warm Milk
- For children over 1 year, honey can be used as a natural cough suppressant.
- When taken with warm milk, it can have a soothing effect on the throat.
4. Nasal Saline Solutions
- Nasal rinse solutions can be used to relieve cough caused by postnasal drip.
5. Doctor-Prescribed Medications
- Antibiotics are not used for cough due to viral infections.
- For coughs caused by allergies or asthma, a doctor may prescribe allergy medications or bronchodilators.
6. Avoid Tobacco Smoke and Polluted Air
- Do not smoke in the child's environment and keep the air clean.
Prolonged cough in children is usually due to viral infections, allergies, or respiratory tract diseases. Appropriate treatment should be applied based on the cause of the cough. If the cough lasts more than three weeks, disrupts sleep at night, or occurs with shortness of breath, a doctor should be consulted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my child cough throughout the night, and what should I do?
Nighttime coughing in children could be a sign of asthma, postnasal drip, or reflux. Asthma cough tends to worsen early in the morning and at night. Postnasal drip triggers a cough reflex due to mucus flowing down to the throat when lying down. Gastroesophageal reflux can also irritate the throat when stomach acid escapes into the esophagus, causing nighttime coughs. For a child who coughs throughout the night, ensure they drink plenty of fluids before bedtime, elevate their head slightly when sleeping, and increase the room humidity.
What helps to ease cough in children, and how can it be relieved naturally?
Adequate fluid intake is crucial for easing children's cough; warm water, chicken soup, and herbal teas help soothe the throat and provide relief. Honey is also an effective natural cough suppressant for children over 1 year; when given with warm milk, it can calm the throat. Humidifying the room air, cleaning the nose with saline solutions, and ventilating the environment can also help reduce coughing.
What causes phlegmy cough in children, and how is it treated?
Phlegmy cough generally indicates an infection in the respiratory tract. Respiratory infections like colds and bronchitis may cause phlegm. Phlegm is a protective mechanism of the body against germs. In children with phlegmy cough, consuming plenty of fluids is vital as it helps thin the mucus, making it easier to expel. A doctor may recommend expectorants or steam therapy if needed.
How can allergic cough in children be identified and treated?
Allergic cough is dry and stubborn; it can worsen seasonally and at night. It can be triggered by contact with allergens like pollen, dust mites, animal hair, or mold. Other allergic symptoms, such as runny nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing, might accompany the cough in children. Allergy testing may be conducted to diagnose it. In the treatment process, contact with allergens should be minimized, the environment should be free from dust, and if necessary, use doctor-recommended antihistamines or nasal sprays.