Very often a cough is accompanied by a runny nose, hoarseness and an elevated temperature. This certainly indicates the onset of a viral or bacterial infection that is developing in the baby. There are many causes of coughing and many ways of treating it. A persistent, choking cough makes it difficult for the baby to sleep, eat and breathe. It is therefore advisable to see a specialist and use the available cough remedies. It is also crucial to adapt the room in which the child is living.

Causes and symptoms of cough in children

A cough can be dry, wet (moist) or barking. Depending on the type of cough, the appropriate treatment is given. We should not give medicines ourselves without consulting the paediatrician, and certainly not those intended for the elderly (the medicine must always be adapted to the needs, the condition of the child and its age). The causes of a cough can be many, ranging from irritation of the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract to allergies, inflammation or changes in the lower respiratory tract.

If a cough lasts too long and, more importantly, intensifies rather than diminishes, and is accompanied by other worrying symptoms (breathing difficulties, high temperature, breathlessness, vomiting, nausea), a paediatrician should be consulted. In the case of very young children (newborns and babies), the doctor should be called immediately and not wait until the symptoms go away by themselves. If a coughing fit occurs suddenly and unexpectedly, e.g. while playing or eating, the baby may choke and it is important to react quickly to prevent suffocation. A visit to a specialist should also not be delayed if your child starts coughing after exertion or after contact with an allergenic agent (animal hair, dust, chemicals, etc.).

photo: panthermedia

Pharmacies stock a large number of different syrups, lollipops and gels that are used against coughing. However, before deciding to buy any of these medicines, it is worth finding out what the immediate cause of the child's cough is. Therefore, these medicines should not be administered without a diagnosis. It is also very important to adapt the place where the coughing baby is staying. It should not be too hot and the air must be humidified.