As a parent, it’s essential to know what types of cough your toddler may have, what’s causing it, and how to treat it. Toddler coughs are common, and most of the time, they’re not a cause for concern. But, at times, a cough can indicate an underlying medical condition that requires prompt medical attention.
1. Types of Toddler Coughs
Toddler coughs are most often due to respiratory infections, allergies, and asthma. Coughing associated with viral or bacterial infections is commonly accompanied by symptoms like a sore throat, runny nose, and fever. Asthma-related coughs typically come with wheezing and are worst at night. On the other hand, coughing associated with environmental or seasonal allergies will develop when your child is exposed to the substance they’re allergic to, such as pet dander or pollen.
There are four types of coughs: dry, wet, croup, and whooping. It’s crucial to know what type of cough your child has and what it might mean.
Dry cough
A dry cough sounds like a rough, hacking cough, and does not contain mucus. It may be caused by a cold, influenza, or early signs of an infection of the lower respiratory tract, such as bronchitis. Other causes of dry coughs in toddlers include asthma, environmental irritants such as tobacco smoke, pollen, or pollutants. According to the American Lung Association, exposure to environmental irritants can produce wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
Wet cough
A wet cough includes phlegm or mucus that may be clear, yellow, or green; these coughs sound wet. These types of coughs are often worse at night and can disrupt sleep due to mucus drainage and the resulting throat irritation. Common causes of wet cough include respiratory infections and asthma, but allergies can also cause a wet cough.
Croup cough
Croup is a disease that causes a harsh, dry cough that can sound similar to a seal’s bark. It is common for a croup cough to be worse at night. Croup in toddlers results in a swollen upper trachea or windpipe and is usually caused by a viral infection. A child with croup may make a high-pitched sound, known as stridor, when breathing in.
Whooping cough (pertussis)
Whooping cough is a bacterial infection that causes a severe, hacking cough that ends with a high-pitched whoop sound when breathing in. This type of cough can be life-threatening for infants and toddlers and requires prompt medical attention.
If your child is getting over an illness, then their cough will probably be the last symptom to get better. It’s not uncommon for a dry, hacking cough to linger for as long as three weeks after a cold (although you should see some gradual improvement between 10 and 14 days) in toddlers and young children.
2. How to Treat Toddler Coughs
Once you know the type of cough your toddler has and its underlying cause, it’s time to focus on treatment. Here are some of the best ways to ease your little one’s cough and help them feel better:
Manage the environment
If your child’s cough is triggered by environmental irritants like cigarette smoke, dust, or pet dander, try to keep them away from the irritants as much as possible. This may mean not smoking around your child or using an air purifier to clean the air in your home.
Encourage hydration
Keeping your toddler hydrated is important when they’re coughing, as it can help thin the mucus in their throat and make it easier to cough up. Offer plenty of fluids like water, juice, and soup.
Try a humidifier
If your toddler’s cough is caused by dry air, a humidifier can help. Adding moisture to the air can help soothe a dry cough and ease throat irritation. Just be sure to clean the humidifier regularly to avoid the growth of mold and bacteria.
Use saline drops or a saline spray
Saline drops or a saline spray can help to thin mucus in your toddler’s nose, making it easier for them to breathe and sleep. You can use saline drops or spray up to three times a day.
Give over-the-counter cough medicine
If your child is older than 6 years of age, you can give them an over-the-counter cough medicine that contains dextromethorphan, which can help suppress the cough reflex. However, always check with your doctor first before giving any medication to your child.
Consider natural remedies
Some natural remedies can help ease coughs in toddlers. Honey, for example, has been shown to be effective in easing coughs in children over 1 year of age. Just be sure not to give honey to infants under the age of 1, as it can cause botulism.
Use prescribed medication
If your child’s cough is caused by asthma, allergies, or a bacterial infection, your doctor may prescribe medication to help ease the cough. For example, asthma-related coughs may be treated with an inhaler that contains a bronchodilator to open up the airways.
3. When to Call the Doctor
While most toddler coughs are nothing to worry about and will go away on their own with time, there are times when you should call your doctor. Here are some warning signs to watch out for:
- Coughing that lasts longer than two weeks
- Coughing that gets worse over time
- Coughing that is accompanied by a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
- Coughing that is accompanied by wheezing, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing
- Coughing that produces blood or pink-tinged mucus
- Coughing that is accompanied by severe chest or abdominal pain
- Coughing that interferes with your child’s sleep or eating
If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to contact your doctor as soon as possible.
In conclusion, coughing is a common symptom in toddlers and can be caused by a variety of factors, including respiratory infections, allergies, and asthma. Knowing the type of cough your toddler has and its underlying cause is important for determining the best treatment. In addition to medication, there are many natural remedies and environmental changes you can make to help ease your toddler’s cough. If your child’s cough is accompanied by any of the warning signs listed above, be sure to contact your doctor right away.
