Chronic cough – When Should I Get it Checked Out?

A cough indicates that your child’s body is attempting to get rid of something irritating. Chronic cough is a daily cough that lasts longer than four weeks in children, and it is one of the most common conditions that present in childhood. Coughing can be worrisome and difficult to cure, even in children who do not have a significant lung problem.

Causes for Chronic cough

• Allergies or Sinusitis
  A prolonged cough, as well as an itchy throat, runny nose, watery eyes, sore throat, or rash, can be caused by allergies or sinusitis.
• Asthma
  Coughing is a typical asthma symptom, particularly following an upper respiratory infection or exposure to triggers or irritants.
• Bronchiolitis
  Viral infections, such as a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), are usually to blame.
• Chronic Bronchitis
  Coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath can accompany chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes.
• Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD)
  Stomach acid backs up into the oesophagus and throat in this syndrome. The inflammation can develop into a chronic cough, aggravating the condition.
• Habit Cough
  It’s tough to diagnose and treat a “habit cough.” It’s usually brought up after all other possible diagnoses have been ruled out. Your child may have had a cold or the flu, leaving them coughing. Anxiety can cause the tic, which can become habitual. In some circumstances, children develop a habit of coughing to clear their throats.
• Infection
  Colds, flu, and croup can leave children with a persistent cough.
• Postnasal Drip
  A cough reflex is triggered when mucus from the sinuses or nasal passages drips down the back of the throat.
• Whooping cough
  Back-to-back coughs, also known as pertussis, are followed by a “whooping” sound when inhaling. It’s also known as the 100-day cough. A runny nose, sneezing, and a mild temperature are all possible symptoms. The whooping cough virus is contagious, but it can be avoided with a vaccine.
• Cardiac
  Underlying heart issues that may go undiagnosed may present as a cough or turning blue when upset.

Chronic cough treatment

The type of treatment and its effectiveness can be influenced by determining the cause. A thorough examination by your paediatrician and investigations such as chest x-rays can assist your doctor in deciding the right treatment plan. The following are some examples of treatments that your paediatrician may decide to prescribe for your child:

• Medications
• Antihistamines that are used to treat allergies
• Decongestants that treat postnasal drip
• Antibiotics that are used to treat infections
• Reflux treatment with acid blockers
• Asthma medicines used to keep asthma under control

When should I get a chronic cough checked out?

Make an appointment to see Dr Vahed if your child’s coughing leads to:

• Shortness of breath
• Vomiting
• “Whooping” sound when coughing

Urgent symptoms include:

• Blue or dusky coloured lips, face or tongue
• Coughing up blood
• High fever
• Severe breathing difficulties