Coughing in Dallas, TX
Coughing is one of the main ways that a parent can tell their child is ill. While the sound of a child's cough can be worrying, it's usually not an indication of something serious and can often be a way to determine what's going on with them. Here are a few common conditions that cause children to cough:
"Barking" cough: Frequently compared to the sound a seal makes, these loud, noticeable coughs are often due to swelling in the upper airway known as croup. Croup is a common byproduct of a cold and usually affects children under the age of five. Children with croup may emit a squeaking sound when they inhale - this is known as stridor. Anti-inflammatory medications and a cool-mist humidifier are good to have on hand to combat croup at home. However, if your child is having difficulty breathing or their lips begin to take on a blue tint, go to your emergency room immediately.
Cough with wheezing: A high-pitched noise upon exhalation (breathing out) can mean that the lungs are swollen due to asthma or an infection and the passageways inside the lungs (the bronchioles) are narrowed. Again, a cool-mist humidifier is useful for taking down swelling, but medical attention should be quickly sought out if a child's breathing seems labored. An emergency room visit also is in order if the wheezing begins after a child inhales something, such as food or a small object, into their airway.
Persistent cough: It can be concerning when all of your child's symptoms clear up except the cough, which seems to hang on for weeks. A cough associated with a viral infection such as a cold or the flu may persist for two or three weeks; this is usually not cause for concern. Chronic conditions such as allergies, asthma, or sinusitis may increase the duration of a cough as well.
Regardless of the cause, it is not uncommon for a child's cough to worsen at night; lying down causes the sinuses to drain down the throat. Propping the child's head up on pillows can help to mitigate this issue.
If you're concerned about your child's cough, do not hesitate to contact
Oak Cliff Children's Clinic in Dallas, Texas for an appointment with pediatrician Dr. Heena Kanase by calling (214) 467-7377.