Coughing is one of the body’s defense mechanisms of getting rid of phlegm, mucus, sputum, postnasal drip, or a foreign body. A variety of factors can cause cough in babies, and while coughing is a necessary function, it is unhealthy for a newborn to cough excessively. If your infant coughs a lot, you should see a pediatrician (1). Read this post to learn more about infant coughs, their types, causes, treatment, and prevention methods.
Types Of Baby Cough
Cough can be classified based on character, duration, quality, and timing as follows (2) (3).
Acute cough: A sudden onset of cough that lasts from a few days to less than three weeks. Subacute cough: Lasts around three to eight weeks. Slow in onset. Chronic or persistent cough: Lasts more than eight weeks, usually from allergies or asthma. It occurs off and on. It can also be due to infections. Dry cough: Non-productive cough where there is no sputum production. Generally hacking cough. Wet cough: Productive cough (phlegm) with sputum. Nocturnal cough: Occurs at night and can be due to postnasal drip (mucus from nose and sinus drain to throat) or asthma. Mainly allergic cough. Daytime cough: Occurs during the day and can often be allergic to smoke, air fresheners, pets, etc.
Cough can be classified based on their character, which is the nature of air’s movement during the cough (3).
Symptoms Associated With Baby Cough
Coughing by itself can be a symptom of respiratory tract infection or a simple reflex to an irritant such as smoke. The following symptoms could also occur along with cough in babies (3):
Cough with wheezing: Wheezing is a whistling sound that occurs while breathing out(expiration). The whistling sound can be heard from a distance. The child becomes breathless. It can be due to lower airway tract infections such as asthma or bronchiolitis or due to foreign bodies such as food or small toys.
Cough with a fever: Your baby may get a mild or high grade fever depending upon the severity of infection, whether mild flu or pneumonia. Body temperature more than 102°F (39°C) can be due to infections such as pneumonia. Image: iStock
Cough with vomiting: If your baby has asthma or cold, they may vomit due to excess mucus accumulated in the stomach due to swallowing it. Or the mucus can get collected in the upper throat. Sometimes, they may vomit due to the stimulation of gag reflex while coughing.
When Should You Call The Doctor?
It is recommended to contact a pediatrician if your baby has a cough. Your baby may require immediate medical care in the following circumstances with cough (3) (7).
Difficulty in breathing Breathing faster than usual. Generally depending on the age but respiratory rate more than 40 per minute. Chest indrawing. Blue color of the lips, face, or tongue High fever High fever with cough, without a runny or stuffy nose High or mild fever in infants less than three months old Cough more than few hours in infants younger than three months Whooping sound after cough Barking cough Coughing up blood Stridor (sharp sound while breathing) Wheezing Tiredness and irritability Dehydration symptoms such as dry mouth, sunken eyes, no tears, and less urine
What Are The Causes Of Coughing In Babies?
Baby’s cough can be due to various factors ranging from teething to severe bacterial infections such as pertussis. Common cold, flu, and other respiratory infections may also cause cough. The common causes include (8):
Viral infections such as common cold, croup, etc. Bacterial infections of airways such as pertussis Allergic cough Asthma Sinusitis Pneumonia Bronchiolitis Bronchitis Gastroesophageal reflux Congenital heart and respiratory problems Foreign bodies Cystic fibrosis Airway irritants Aspiration of food Teething due to excess saliva Habitual cough
Diagnosis Of Cough In Babies
Your doctor makes a diagnosis by hearing the type of cough and other signs and symptoms. The diagnostic tests to identify the cause of cough may include the following.
Blood test Chest x-ray Sputum culture Bronchoscopy
Treatment Of Cough In Babies
After identifying the cause of the cough, your doctor will recommend the appropriate treatment.
Cough due to bacterial infections requires antibiotic treatment. A viral infection related cough requires supportive therapies. Cough medicines are usually not recommended for children.
It is advised not to give over-the-counter cough syrup or cough drops to your baby since they have the risk of causing serious complications such as slow breathing, choking, etc. (9).
How To Prevent Cough In Babies?
The following factors may help prevent cough in babies.
You can prevent exacerbation of asthmatic cough by following prescribed medication. Do not give small toys, which may be choking hazards. Keep the baby away from smoke. Follow proper feeding techniques to avoid food aspirations. Get recommended vaccinations on time. Image: Shutterstock Try to protect your baby from contracting viral illnesses such as flu or cold if you have it.
Home Treatment For Babies With Cough
The following home remedies may help relieve cough in babies (7):
