at what point do you take LO in for a cough?

mlf625

DS has had a cough since Monday.  It's really wet and hacky, but no 'whoop' like when he had croup this winter.  He's coughing enough that his voice is starting to sound scratchy.  I'm torn on whether or not to take him in today.  He's not feverish and the tiny bit of runny nose he has is clear.  He's not sleeping super well, but that's because he's waking up coughing every hour or so.  DD's nose just started running like crazy this morning so I'm leaning toward believing it's just a cold going around ... but WWYD? Take him in and get him checked out, or wait it out?    

MrsRegis

If the snot is clear and it's been less than a week, I'd wait it out. But if the snot is colored.....or if he's been coughing for more than a week I'd take him in. More than once a wet cough has been the only indication that my kids had an ear infection. Even if it is a simple cold, the congestion can lead to secondary infections.

kpowersw

This is a little bit of a cop out answer but I usually call the nurse line at me pedi and ask them if I should come in with situations like these....especially since it's Friday. 

brideonjuly8

I would at least call.  My pedi got us some rx cough stuff last year that helped DS rest much better.  Maybe they can get him something, too.