Cough List, for those interested

TiffanyTheMom · May 2011

I have a list of types of coughs I have taped to the inside of my bathroom mirror for when I have a question about my baby/child's cough sounds.

If your child's cough is: wet and productive- it means she has mucus to clear out of her airways, or she's got a postnasal drip. The likely cause is: An infection (such as a cold, sinusitis, or pneumonia), or allergens. For sweet relief: Use saline nose drops, and offer her lots of fluids to thin the mucus. If she's got a fever along with the cough, call the doctor to rule out a more serious infection.

If your child's cough is: dry and raspy- it means there's irritation somewhere in her airways. The likely cause is: an infection, allergen, or other irritant, such as dust, pollen, or smoke, that produces little or no mucus. For sweet relief: Soothe it as you would a wet cough, with nose drops and lots of fluids. If you suspect the cough is allergy-related, do your best to limit your child's exposure and wait it out.

If your child's cough is: sounding like a barking seal or dog- It means her voice box and windpipe are inflamed. The likely cause is: Croup, a viral infection that's usually worse during the night. For sweet relief: Sit with her in a steamy bathroom for 15-20min, or go outside in the fresh air if it's cool (not cold). If she's having significant trouble breathing, go to the ER.

If your child's cough is: accompanied by wheezing- it means her airways are constricted and/or inflamed. The likely cause is: asthma, bronchitis, an infection of the lungs' small airways that's usually seen in kids under 5. For sweet relief: See the doctor to find out exactly what's going on. If your child has asthma, her medication may need tweaking. If she has an infection, she may need antibiotics.

If your child's cough is: a severe coughing followed by a "whoop"- it means she's literally coughing out all the air out of her lungs, then taking a deep breath. The likely cause is: whooping cough, a bacterial infection known as pertussis. For sweet relief: Call the doctor at once. He may prescribe antibiotics to make your child less contagious, but these won't treat or shorten its duration. This can be a dangerous infection in babies, which is why staying on top of the pertussis shot is so important.

My older two have a cough right now, but it's thanks to a head cold going around right now. I have a little of it, and LO has a little of it too but thanks to breastfeeding, she's mostly safe from the cold.

flypink · May 2011

I noticed that Noah had a little dry cough yesterday but nothing today so hopefully it was just a tickle in his throat.

GoMommy · May 2011

Thanks for this list!!

JJsMom211 · May 2011

My little man had a 101 fever Saturday night. Another boy at his babysitter's house had a 101 fever Friday night (his mom is a good friend of mine) so a cold is going around. I've been keeping a close watch (or listen, I guess) on his cough. Thanks for this.