Cough is one of the signs of many diseases, both relatively harmless and threatening health, even human life. But if an adult can seek medical help, a child, especially a small child, is often unable to complain about feeling unwell or explain what exactly bothers him. Therefore, it is necessary that the parents know why the child may have a cough and, if necessary, call a doctor to him.
For what reasons do children have a cough?
What causes a cough? In most cases (about 90%), children's cough is one of the symptoms of ARVI - acute respiratory viral infections. The inflammatory process can capture both the upper respiratory tract and the lower (larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs).
With inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, the cough is usually dry, without sputum secretion. With inflammation of the larynx - laryngitis - the cough becomes peculiar, as if "barking".
In severe cases of laryngitis due to swelling of the mucous membrane, the lumen of the upper respiratory tract is so narrowed that the child can hardly breathe. Such a disease ("false croup") is life threatening and requires urgent medical attention!
A strong cough, accompanied by sputum production, may indicate an inflammatory process in the bronchi. Parents should see a doctor.
Cough in children can also occur due to diseases of the nose, paranasal sinuses, pharynx. In addition, cough is one of the main symptoms of bronchial asthma. With attacks of this disease, it becomes very strong, causing a feeling of suffocation.
If a child who does not suffer from bronchial asthma suddenly has an attack of severe coughing, this may indicate that a foreign body has entered the respiratory tract. In this case, you must immediately call an ambulance.
In young children, coughs can also be caused by excessively dry air or foreign substances such as tobacco smoke.
In some cases, the cause of the cough may not be related to the respiratory system at all, but caused by a problem with the heart or digestive organs.
When do you need medical attention when a child coughs?
Parents of the baby need to urgently seek medical help if the cough occurs suddenly and does not stop, if it is accompanied by severe wheezing, clearly audible from a distance, and also in cases where blood or sputum of a yellowish-green color is released when coughing.
A medical examination is also required if the cough has developed against the background of ARVI and does not stop for a long time (over 3 weeks). In no case do not self-medicate the child, as this is fraught with his life! You can use folk remedies only after consulting with a specialist who monitors your baby's health.
