Nocturnal Cough in Children

A cough is a common occurrence in children, and indicates an irritation in the air passages. The causes include respiratory illnesses, allergies, asthma and environmental irritants, such as tobacco smoke and insecticides. Sometimes a daytime cough becomes worse at night; other coughs only occur at night. Because a nocturnal cough can be symptomatic of a serious illness, an accurate diagnosis is essential.

Colds and Allergies

• A child with a cold typically has excess mucus in the nasal passages and sinuses. At night, the mucus can drain down his throat, triggering a cough. According to Dr. Greene, a professor and pediatrician, colds are the most common cause of nocturnal cough in children. Allergies can also trigger nighttime cough, as they can cause the same build up of mucus.

Treatment

• For nocturnal cough due to colds or allergies, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises giving a child extra fluids throughout the day and adding moisture to the air at night with a cold-mist vaporizer. Although many cough and allergy medications can be purchased over-the-counter, the AAP warns that they vary greatly in their ingredients and effectiveness, so parents should always consult their pediatrician first before treating their child with any medications.

Croup

• Croup is an inflammation of the upper airways which narrows the airway just below the vocal cords. It is marked by a distinctive cough that resembles a barking seal. The AAP states that it is more common during the winter months, and mostly affects children between six months and three-years-old.

  The AAP distinguishes two types of croup: spasmodic and viral. Spasmodic croup, usually caused by a mild upper respiratory infection, typically comes on suddenly at night. Viral croup develops from a more severe viral infection of the upper airways. In addition to the seal-like bark, breathing becomes labored as the airways constrict, and the danger is that the trachea will continue to swell so much that the child will no longer be able to breathe.

Treatment

• When a child awakens with croup, the experts at AAP advise having him inhale warm, moist air for 15 to 20 minutes. Steam also may help a child with viral croup feel better, though it is not as effective as with spasmodic croup. No matter which form of croup parents suspect their child has, the AAP says it is imperative to call the pediatrician right away to make sure that more intervention is not needed. Spasmodic croup usually disappears within a few nights.

Asthma

• According to the American Lung Association (ALA), asthma, a disease in which the airways constrict to cause breathing difficulties, is the leading serious chronic illness among children. Most common in five- to 17-years-olds, it has specific triggers which can include exercise, allergies, upper respiratory infections, cold weather and irritants. A recurring nighttime cough can indicate asthma, even in the absence of other classic symptoms of the disease, such as wheezing or shortness of breath.

Treatment

• Experts at the Mayo Clinic advise parents to call the pediatrician if their child experiences a nocturnal cough lasting for more than a few days. (If other symptoms of asthma are present, parents should seek advice sooner). If asthma is diagnosed, the AAP states that the child will be treated under the close supervision of his pediatrician or a specialist to manage and control the disease.