Know The Types Of Cough On Your Little One

Similar to the adults, the type of cough in the Little One is very diverse. It should be understood, that cough is a symptom which serves as a protective mechanism for the body. Coughing is the body's natural effort to remove mucus or foreign objects from the lungs and which blocked the air flow.

The management should be tailored to the cause of cough, whether it is caused by allergies, viral infections, or physiological abnormalities. In most children, a cough caused by a viral infection will improve by itself within 2-3 days. What are the types of cough which can happen to the Little One? Check out the followings:

Cough with fever

If the Little One has a cough which is accompanied by a fever and runny nose, he/she may be exposed to pneumonia. Especially, if the Little One looks lethargic and breathes quickly, immediately take him/her to the doctor for examination.

Cough at night

This cough will get worse during the night because there is a blockage in the nose and sinus which flows along the throat and causes irritation when the Little One lies down. Surely, this will make the Little One feels difficult to sleep. The condition of asthma can also trigger a cough at night because the airway tends to become sensitive and is easily irritated at night.

Cough during the day

This cough is caused by allergies, asthma, chills, and respiratory infections. Coughing can be exacerbated by cold air and heavy activity, but usually will subside at night when the Little One goes to rest. Make sure, that at Mommy’s home, no other factors that can cause coughing exist, such as air freshener, cigarette smoke, or pets.

Cough with breath sounds

A cough accompanied by a breath sound when the Little One exhales is a sign of inflammation on the lower airway.

Cough with vomiting

Generally, the Little One is having a cough because it is triggered by a blockage reflex. Vomiting can occur in the Little One who is suffering from cough with a flu or asthma because of too much mucus that flows into the stomach and cause nausea.

Barking cough

Cough with a barking sound is generally caused by inflammation or swelling of the upper airway. Most of these coughs are caused by croup, namely inflammation of the larynx and trachea. Causes include viral infections, night-time temperature changes, and upper airway infections. The Little One aged under 3 years old is at risk of suffering from this cough because the throat is still narrow.

Pertussis / whooping cough

Whooping cough or pertussis is an infection of the airway, which occurs due to bacteria Bordetella pertussis. The disease is characterized by a cough that ends with a distinctive sound when the child inhales. Other symptoms are watery nose, sneezing, coughing, and a slight fever. This disease usually affects the Little One age between 3 months and 3 years old.

Persistent cough

A cough which is caused by a flu can improve within a week. Asthma, allergies, or chronic infections in the sinuses or respiratory tract may be the cause of persistent cough. If the cough occurs during the week, call your doctor immediately.

Coughing as a natural response of the body to remove mucus or other foreign objects must be addressed appropriately. Perform a proper management at home to relieve the respiration of the Little One, administration of a children’s cough medicine in accordance with the type of cough as well as age can help relieve symptoms. However, if cough does not heal and other dangerous symptoms arise, immediately return to the hospital to consult a doctor.