At some time or another, all young children suffer from coughs and colds. Although a lot of parents naturally be worried about ongoing coughs that don't seem to stay, coughs and colds usually get better eventually without much treatment. Unless your child appears unwell or his breathing is affected, you don't ordinarily have to worry.
You also don't need to fear that a cough because of the common cold will cause any lasting damage to your child's lungs. However, you might occasionally be confronted with a more serious underlying problem that requires medical help. Consider the following causes if your child is coughing:
The cold is a very common viral infection. Your child may also possess a fever and a runny nose and may have picked up the illness from someone in the family. Simple colds usually settle on their own; apart from giving paracetamol or ibuprofen to make your child feel better, you do not need to give any other specific treatment.
The flu along with other flu-like illnesses could also cause a cough, but your child is likely to feel more unwell when compared to common cold. Rest and regular fluid intake are important, and your child usually begins to feel better after a couple of days.
If your child also develops breathing problems or noisy breathing, think about the following possible causes:
If your cough occurs very quickly in your otherwise well child, he might have inhaled an overseas body such as a peanut or another small object. If the cough doesn't settle quickly and your child is lacking breath, consult your doctor or go to the nearest A&E. Your child may need assessment and elimination of the foreign body in hospital.
Asthma is an inflammatory condition leading to narrowing from the airways, which may cause coughing and breathlessness - particularly at night - in your child. Asthma can vary in severity, ranging from very mild symptoms to severe wheezing and difficulty breathing. If you suspect that your child has asthma, visit your doctor for further assessment and help with management. A number of substances can trigger an asthma attack, in which breathing symptoms become more severe. Seek immediate medical advice.
Viral or transmissions (perhaps following on in the common cold) may occasionally spread from the throat or windpipe to your child's chest. Your child is likely to possess a fever and breathe faster than usual. See your doctor, because your child may need antibiotics. Breathing problems can sometimes be serious. Seek medical advice if you notice any of the following in your child:
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