A baby's cough can be alarming for parents. That little barking sound coming from your bundle of joy is enough to make any parent run for the phone to call the pediatrician. But before you panic, understand that coughing is normal and serves an important purpose. It helps clear mucus and irritants from baby's airways. However, prolonged or worsening coughs do warrant medical evaluation.
By decoding the different types of coughs, identifying potential causes, and using effective home remedies, you can often treat baby's cough and provide relief without needing medical intervention. Read on to become a baby cough detective and expertly treat those worrisome coughs!
What Causes Baby's Cough?
Coughing is the body's natural reflex to keep the airways clear. When irritants, allergens or secretions trigger the cough reflex, the epiglottis closes off the trachea while the diaphragm contracts quickly, forcing air through the upper airways. This produces the coughing sound and allows the body to expel the irritants.
In babies, the most common causes of cough stem from the upper and lower respiratory tracts. However, cough can also indicate non-respiratory issues like reflux or allergies. Let's explore the primary culprits behind baby's cough:
Upper Respiratory Tract Causes
The upper airway consists of the nose, mouth, throat and larynx. Infections in these areas are a prime cause of baby's cough.
Common Cold
The common cold is the most prevalent trigger for coughing in babies. Colds are caused by rhinoviruses which inflame the nasal passages, sinuses and throat. As mucus drips down the back of the throat, it triggers coughing. Low grade fever, runny nose and congestion often accompany cold-related coughs.
Rhinitis
Rhinitis refers to inflammation in the nasal cavity leading to a runny, stuffy nose. Allergic rhinitis is caused by allergens like pet dander, dust, or pollen. Non-allergic rhinitis occurs when irritants like cigarette smoke, strong odors, weather changes or chlorine aggravate the nasal tissues. The resulting post-nasal drip from rhinitis can initiate coughing.
Pharyngitis
Pharyngitis means a sore, irritated throat. Viruses are the most common cause, but bacteria like streptococcus can also be culprits. The inflamed throat and excess mucus post-nasal drip can stimulate coughing. Pharyngitis is associated with pain and tenderness in the throat.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis refers to inflammation in the sinus cavities around the nose. It is most often provoked by viruses but can also arise from bacteria, allergens or environmental irritants. Sinusitis leads to mucus buildup that can drain down the throat and incite coughing. Symptoms include congestion, headache, facial pressure and discolored nasal discharge.
Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis refers to infection and inflammation of the tonsils. It typically results from viral or bacterial invaders like streptococcus. The swollen tonsils obstruct the airway and the excess mucus stimulates cough. Tonsillitis also causes painful, inflamed sore throat and fever.
Lower Respiratory Tract Causes
The lower airways consist of the trachea, bronchi and lungs. Various infections and irritants that affect these lower parts of the respiratory system can also generate coughing.
Bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis is a common lung infection in young children and infants under 2 years old. It is most often caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and leads to inflammation and congestion in the small airways (bronchioles) of the lungs. The irritated airways fill with mucus and cause coughing and wheezing as baby struggles to breathe. Other symptoms include rapid breathing, fever, and decrease in appetite.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia refers to a serious lung infection that causes inflammation in the alveoli (air sacs). It is typically triggered by viruses, atypical bacteria like Mycoplasma pneumonia, or bacteria like Streptococcus pneumonia. The infected alveoli fill with fluid and pus, becoming less efficient at providing oxygen to the blood. The cough is often productive with yellow, brown, or green mucus. Wet coughs, high fevers, chills and trouble breathing are key signs of pneumonia.
Asthma
Asthma involves chronic inflammation in the airways of the lungs. Environmental triggers like animal dander, pollen, cigarette smoke, air pollution or viruses provoke asthma attacks. During an attack, the airways swell, fill with mucus and constrict, making breathing very difficult. Asthma attacks in babies produce coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and rapid breathing.
Other Causes
Some non-respiratory issues can also elicit coughing in babies. These include:
Allergies
Inhaled allergens like pollen, pet dander or dust mites can trigger allergic rhinitis and coughing. Food allergies may result in a tickly throat and cough as well. Signs of allergies include clear, watery mucus and symptoms in seasons when certain pollens are high.
Reflux
When stomach acids back up into baby's esophagus it is called acid reflux or GERD. The reflux can irritate the throat and trigger coughing. Wet burps, spitting up, irritability during feeding and coughing when lying down are signs of reflux-related cough.
Environmental Irritants
Smoke, air pollution, dust or chemicals like cleaning products or perfumes can act as respiratory irritants. They inflame airways and elicit coughing. Worsening cough in certain environments helps identify environmental triggers.
Now that you know the potential causes, let's explore the different types of coughs in babies so you can get better at decoding the sounds.
Types of Baby's Cough
Cough sounds can provide clues to the underlying cause. Listen carefully to categorize baby's cough:
Dry Cough
A dry, hacking cough without mucus often results from viral upper respiratory infections like colds or allergies and irritants. It may sound harsh and barking. Dry coughs tend to worsen at night.
Wet Cough
A wet, productive cough that brings up mucus points to an infection in the lower airways like bronchitis or pneumonia. The mucus may be clear, yellow, green or reddish-brown. Coughs with green or brown phlegm are serious and require medical evaluation.
Croup Cough
A croup cough is distinctive - it has a loud, barking sound like a seal. Croup is caused by a viral infection of the upper airways and larynx. The cough tends to worsen at night and can be accompanied by high fever and difficulty breathing.
Whooping Cough
Whooping cough causes violent, rapid coughs followed by a desperate whooping sound as baby tries to inhale air. It is caused by bacterial infection and is highly contagious. Other symptoms include runny nose, fever, and vomiting after coughing fits.
Nighttime Cough
Cough that worsens at night tends to be caused by asthma, post-nasal drip from allergies or sinusitis, or acid reflux. Try elevating baby's head while sleeping to reduce reflux-related coughing. A humidifier can also help soothe nighttime coughs.
Pay close attention to the nature of baby's cough - wet vs dry, barking vs congested, accompanied by wheezing - to help identify contributing factors. Now let's explore definitive treatment and management approaches to give baby relief.
How to Treat Baby's Cough
When baby has a cough, there are several effective treatment routes ranging from medical interventions to home remedies and preventative measures.
Medical Interventions
For persistent, worsening, or severe coughs, see your pediatrician for proper diagnosis and treatment. Depending on the cause, the doctor may prescribe:
Antibiotics
If baby's cough results from a bacterial infection like pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis or tonsillitis, antibiotics may be prescribed. Common options are amoxicillin or Augmentin. Give baby the full course as directed.
Inhalers
For coughs related to asthma, bronchiolitis or chronic conditions like cystic fibrosis, inhaled steroids or bronchodilators may be recommended. These open airways and reduce inflammation. Proper use of inhalers with a spacer device is crucial.
Prescription Medications
For very young babies, over-the-counter cough and cold meds are not advised. However, the doctor may prescribe special cough suppressants, expectorants or antihistamines. Follow directions closely and never exceed dosage.
While medical interventions can be important, there are also useful home remedies and preventative measures parents can take to manage baby's cough.
Helpful Home Remedies
When dealing with mild viral coughs, try these therapeutic home treatments:
Humidifier
Using a cool mist humidifier in baby's room can significantly ease coughing by hydrating and soothing dry airways. This is helpful for both dry and wet coughs. Keep the humidifier clean to avoid mold.
Nasal Suction
Use a bulb syringe or nasal aspirator to gently suction out excess mucus from baby's nose which can trigger coughing. Saline drops can help loosen congestion first.
Hydration
Offer small frequent feeds and supplement with extra breastmilk or electrolyte water. Keeping baby well hydrated thins out mucus and prevents dehydration from fever. Avoid dairy products which can increase phlegm production.
Preventative Measures
You can reduce the occurrence of coughs by:
Vaccinations
Immunize baby on schedule to prevent against cough-producing illnesses like pertussis (whooping cough) and influenza. The DTaP and yearly flu shot are important defenses.
Hygiene
Wash hands frequently, avoid sick contacts, and disinfect surfaces and toys. using these hygienic practices prevents transmission of cough-causing viruses and bacteria.
Environmental Control
If allergies or irritants are the trigger, keep baby away from known environmental hazards. Use air purifiers, limit exposure to cigarette smoke and other respiratory irritants.
While most baby coughs are harmless and improve with supportive care, be alert for any worsening signs requiring medical assessment:
- High fever
- Green or brown phlegm
- Wheezing or trouble breathing
- Dehydration
- Very rapid breathing or chest retractions
- Blue-tinged lips or nails
- Unusual lethargy or difficulty feeding
Rapid breathing is particularly concerning - watch for over 60 breaths per minute in infants under 2 months and over 50 breaths per minute in older babies.
Trust your instincts - you know your baby best. Reach out promptly if your little one seems to be getting sicker or has difficulty breathing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let's review answers to some common questions worried parents have about mysterious baby coughs:
When should I worry about baby’s cough?
Consult your pediatrician promptly if baby has difficulty breathing, blue lips or nails, fever over 101 F, very rapid breathing, wheezing, or severe lethargy. Also watch for symptoms worsening after 3-5 days rather than improving.
What are the best home remedies for baby’s cough?
A cool mist humidifier, proper hydration, nasal suctioning with saline drops, and elevating baby's head while sleeping can all help alleviate coughing. Avoid over-dressing or chilling baby.
How can I tell if baby’s cough is due to reflux?
Signs of reflux-related cough include coughing episodes right after feeding or when lying flat, frequent wet burps or spitting up, coughs that improve with upright positioning, and irritability during feeding.
When should I give baby cough medicine?
Over-the-counter cough and cold medication should never be given to babies under 6 months old and only with a doctor's approval for babies 6-18 months. Use caution and follow dosing guidelines.
What natural remedies help baby’s cough?
Proven natural cough remedies include honey for children over 1 year, warm lemon-honey water, sage/thyme/licorice root tea, and essential oils like eucalyptus, lavender or pine dilute in a carrier and rubbed on feet or chest.
How can I prevent baby from getting a bad cough again?
Preventative measures like flu shot and DTaP immunization, good hygiene, avoiding irritants like smoke, using a humidifier, and controlling allergies can reduce future coughing episodes.
When to See the Doctor
While most baby coughs resolve without issue, consult your pediatrician right away if baby has:
- High fever over 101 F
- Cough lasting over 3 weeks
- Wheezing or rapid breathing
- Lethargy, poor feeding or signs of dehydration
- Cough with green, brown or bloody mucus
Proper diagnosis and prompt medical treatment are key for dangerous coughs like pneumonia, bronchiolitis, pertussis or asthma exacerbation. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician if baby's symptoms concern you.
Decoding Baby's Cough
Listening closely to cough sounds, watching for accompanying symptoms, and identifying potential triggers are key to decoding the reason behind baby's bothersome cough. Most baby coughs are due to common viral illnesses and resolve with supportive care. However, worsening, persistent or severe coughs do warrant medical evaluation.
Arm yourself with the knowledge of common cough causes, cough types, and effective home remedies to expertly treat your little one’s cough at home when possible. Trust your parenting instincts - if baby seems seriously ill, lethargic or has trouble breathing, seek prompt medical help. Stay calm and remember - coughs sound worse than they are. With your loving care and these helpful strategies, you can detective baby’s cough and breathe easier!