Cough - how long?

buler23

How long do you let a cough go before going to the doctor? DS has had a cough for a little over a week now.  It is not getting worse, but it is also not getting better.  At what point do I say enough is enough and head to the doctor?

KoriBrett

I usually take them in if the cough changes (like, dry to wet & gooey) or if there are other symptoms with it, or after 2 weeks. 

j-w

My Ped usually says after a week, they'd like to hear from us.  But, they also say that as long as it is a loose cough, without wheezing, that it is ok to not come in.

Halo79RN

KoriBrett:

I usually take them in if the cough changes (like, dry to wet & gooey) or if there are other symptoms with it, or after 2 weeks. 

this.  changes, persistent (not unusual to have a mild cough after a cold for 2 weeks), fever for more than 3d or if it returns after having been fever free for a full 24hr or more.   if their getting a nasty dry , persistent cough but no other cold symptoms, I'd probably check too... wheezing... stridor (that rough/tight inhale), retracting (skin at neck or ribs going in when the child breathes in... belly breathing)....