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Persistent Cough in Children

Most children will cough at different times throughout the year. Coughing may be disruptive and serious, or it may be a short-term condition that will go away on its own. The body produces coughs to help clear airways and enable the child to breathe. It forces out anything that's not supposed to be in the lungs, throat and the passageways in between. However, if the cough lingers for more than a week or two, seek medical attention, just in case there is something more serious going on.

  1. Common Causes

    • Several factors may cause a child to develop a cough. A cold may produce a runny nose and a trickle of mucus into the throat or upper respiratory system, causing a cough that gets worse when he lies down. Croup is a cough that sounds like a bark, and it generally gets worse at night. Respiratory syncytial virus has symptoms similar to a cold, only the cough gets worse and produces labored breathing. RSV is most common during the colder months and generally isn't more serious than a cold.

    Asthma, Allergies and Airborne Irritants

    • Asthmatic children often cough quite a bit, particularly when lying down. Allergies may create a cough that leaves the impression of a cold that doesn't ever go away. Airborne irritants such as smoke or strong chemical use in an unventilated area also can lead to coughing.

    Sinusitis

    • When the sinuses are irritated or infected, mucus may drain into your child's throat, which generates the urge to cough. Other symptoms are a chronic runny nose, dark circles under the child's eyes and puffiness around the eyes.

    More Serious Causes

    • If the child inhales or swallows an object he shouldn't have, it may lead to a chronic cough. If a child is prone to putting things in his mouth, and the only symptom he has is a chronic cough, have a doctor check for a foreign object in the child's throat or airway. If this condition isn't treated early, it may result in pneumonia.

      With pneumonia, a child's coughing is likely to get worse. It is often accompanied by fever, chills and difficulty breathing. Bronchitis is an infection in the bronchia and should be treated with an antibiotic to prevent complications. Other causes, such as whooping cough or cystic fibrosis, may be considered if the coughing lingers, and both of these diseases require a specialist for treatment.

    When to Call the Doctor

    • Most of the time, it isn't necessary to seek medical attention for a cough. However, if the child has difficulty breathing, wheezes or has blood in his mucus, call his doctor immediately. You'll also need to get professional medical help if his fever is over 103 degrees or the child has a heart or lung disease. If the child is younger than 6 years old, ask your child's doctor before giving him any over-the-counter medication for the cough.

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