Dumb Coughing Question

ebearwife

So, we are in the midst of Polly's first cough.  It sounds "wet" and productive to me and there is some evidence of yellow (TMI) loogies.  I hate to drag her into the pedi again until I know she needs to go.  At our visit Monday there was talk of a chest Xray if things don't improve and she already had one less than a month ago so I am trying to hold off on that if possible.  She has other classic cold symptoms of congestion and crankiness.  So far her fever is still gone.  I am just wondering whether to tough it out another couple days or what.  When is coughing "bad" enough to go to the dr?  Her coughing is waking her up but typically she goes back to sleep quickly.

MrsBrandiGreene

Is she wheezing?  If not, and it were me, I'd wait a couple of days.  If she gets worse then maybe call the pedi tomorrow. Worst case you could go to CHOA over the weekend if need-be.  A cough in-and-of-itself is a good thing ridding the body of junk, so I wouldnt worry too much unless it gets worse. 

californiafrog7905

Well, based on the post below that I just read about RSV, I'm inclined to freak out on your behalf...but that aside, does sitting in a hot steamy bathroom help her any?  I'd say if she has any trouble breathing during or after coughing, or if she seems at ALL lethargic, doesn't want to eat/nurse, or if her fever goes up, or if you just feel like something's more urgent, GO to the doctor!  Maybe they won't do the x-ray just yet, but if it were me I'd be erring on the side of an extra visit, even if it ends up that they just send you home.  Can't hurt, right?  But maybe it's a good sign that the cough is productive; it gets the gunk out of her chest that way, rather than it sitting in there and making her sicker.  Hope she feels better soon!

missmlp

I would tough it out if she is eating and being her normal self.  Plus it sounds like her cough is productive.  I'm assuming she is getting breathing treatments so see if that helps which it does for us. When the cough is bad you will know it by the sound and it usually is followed by constant projectile vomiting. 

ebearwife

Thanks, Brandi!  She isn't wheezing, just that nasty cough with the occasional flying loogies.  I think I will hold off.  I REALLY don't want her getting unnecessary tests and meds.  I just really hate to see my poor baby sick and boogery. 

ebearwife

Oh, no breathing treatments and so far (fingers crossed!) no projectile vomit or fever since Tuesday.

KT&John

If your pedi has been seeing her for her illness and this is a new symptom I would at least call and report it. Can't hurt to get the doc's opinion.