Why does a child cough, and when should you be concerned?
Coughing in children is a common symptom, and can be caused by a variety of infections, irritations or allergic reactions. It is often benign and protective, helping to clear secretions, viruses or irritating particles from the respiratory tract. However, a persistent cough accompanied by other symptoms may require medical attention.
It's important to distinguish between the different types of cough, in order to adapt care and know when to consult a doctor.
What are the different types of cough in children?
Coughs can vary in origin and intensity. The main types of cough are
- Dry cough: Irritating and non-productive, it often occurs at the onset of a viral infection, or in cases of allergy or irritation due to pollution or smoke.
- Oily cough: Accompanied by sputum (mucus), this is common in the event of a respiratory infection, and helps to clear the bronchial tubes.
- Nocturnal cough: May be due to gastroesophageal reflux, post-nasal irritation or asthma.
- Barking cough: Suggests laryngitis, with a hoarse voice and inspiratory wheezing.
- Wheezing cough: May be a sign of bronchiolitis, asthma or bronchial infection.
- Persistent cough (more than three weeks): May indicate asthma, whooping cough, allergy or gastroesophageal reflux.
What are the most common causes of coughing in children?
Coughs can be caused by a number of factors:
- Viral infections: rhinopharyngitis, influenza, bronchiolitis, laryngitis, bronchitis, whooping cough.
- Allergies: Pollen, dust mites, animal hair, mold, pollution.
- Asthma: Characterized by a chronic cough, often nocturnal and associated with breathing difficulties.
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD ): can cause throat irritation and persistent coughing, especially at night.
- Dry or polluted air: can irritate the respiratory tract and trigger a cough.
- Ingestion of a foreign body: Suspect a sudden cough with no other symptoms.
What are the warning signs that call for medical attention?
In most cases, a cough will disappear within a few days with appropriate treatment. However, it is important to consult a doctor as soon as possible if the child presents :
- A cough lasting more than three weeks.
- Respiratory distress (difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, rib-pulling).
- Persistent high fever.
- Wheezing or unusual noises when breathing.
- Changes in lip color (bluish or extreme paleness).
- Loss of appetite and extreme fatigue.
- Refusal to drink, which can lead to dehydration.
- Coughing after suspected choking, which may suggest a foreign body in the respiratory tract.
In such cases, prompt treatment is essential to avoid complications.
What natural remedies can relieve a child's cough?
There are several natural remedies to soothe a child's cough, in addition to medical treatment if necessary:
- Frequent hydration: Water, herbal teas or breast milk (for babies) help thin secretions.
- Honey (for children over one year of age): Has soothing and antibacterial properties (a spoonful before bedtime can relieve night-time coughs).
- Steam inhalation: Effective for clearing the respiratory tract in cases of wet coughs or laryngitis.
- Air humidification: Air that's too dry can aggravate coughs, especially in winter when the heating is on.
- Natural thyme or marshmallow syrups: Known for their expectorant and soothing properties.
- Elevated position: Sleeping with a pillow at a slight angle can help reduce night-time coughing, especially in cases of gastro-oesophageal reflux.
What medical treatments can be prescribed for coughs?
Treatment depends on the cause of the cough, and must be tailored to each individual child.
- Antibiotics: only in cases of proven bacterial infection (such as whooping cough or pneumonia).
- Bronchodilators: Prescribed in cases of asthma or bronchiolitis with respiratory discomfort.
- Antihistamines: If coughing is linked to an allergy.
- Corticoids: Used in certain cases of laryngitis or severe asthma.
Cough suppressants and expectorants are generally not recommended for young children, as they may be ineffective or have adverse effects.
How can I prevent coughing in children?
A few simple steps can reduce the risk of frequent coughing:
- Limit exposure to viruses by washing hands regularly and avoiding contact with sick people.
- Air the house daily to renew the air and reduce the concentration of allergens and pollutants.
- Avoid cigarette smoke, which irritates the respiratory tract and encourages infection.
- Ensure proper hydration, essential to prevent mucous membranes from drying out.
- Vaccinate your child according to the recommended schedule, especially against whooping cough and influenza.
- Monitor allergies and limit exposure to known allergens.
How to deal with a child's cough?
Coughing is a common symptom in children, and in most cases it is benign, disappearing within a few days. It's important to identify the type of cough and its causes, in order to provide appropriate treatment and effective relief.
If the cough persists, is accompanied by worrying signs or affects the child's general condition, a medical consultation is essential to avoid any complications. By adopting good preventive habits and using appropriate natural remedies, it is possible to limit coughing episodes and improve children's respiratory comfort.
