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How to help a child with mucus cough


What your child's cough is telling you

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There are many reasons children develop a cough, and it can be difficult for parents to determine what is causing the cough and when to see the pediatrician.

Typically, a child's cough is nothing to worry about. Every year parents can expect their children to get several colds, especially during the fall and winter months, which can result in coughing as a side effect. But there are times when it is important to call your child's doctor.

To help parents understand the severity of their child's cough and what it may indicate, Michael Lee, M.D., pediatrician with Children's Health℠ and Associate Professor at UT Southwestern, shares his advice: "As a general rule, if your child has a cough that is getting progressively worse and/or lasting longer than five to seven days without improvement, it's a good idea to have them seen by a medical professional."

What's causing my child's cough?

Here are eight common causes of a child's cough and signs it's time to see a pediatrician.

Cold

The common cold often produces a wet, productive-sounding cough with mucus or phlegm behind it.

Call your pediatrician if: Your child's voice becomes hoarse and has a barking, productive cough. If your child has a cold, specific medications are not needed. Keep your child well hydrated, have them blow their nose (suction nose for infants) and rest as needed. Your child can continue to go to school as long as there is no fever present for 24 hours without medication. Cough and cold medications are not routinely recommended for children.

Allergies

Seasonal allergies typically do not affect a child under the age of 2-3 years old. Symptoms of seasonal allergies include itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, cough and congestion, sneezing and sometimes a sore throat. However, allergies do not usually cause fatigue, body aches or a fever.

Call your pediatrician if: Your child's allergy symptoms persist. Your child's doctor may recommend or prescribe allergy medications depending on your child's age and symptoms. If your child is already taking medication for seasonal allergies and their symptoms persist, contact their pediatrician.

RSV

Respiratory syncytial virus, commonly known as RSV, is a specific virus that has similar symptoms to the common cold, but it can be a challenging and even life-threatening virus in infants or young children.

Call your pediatrician if: Your child has labored breathing that is hard and fast. Difficulty breathing may not be something you hear, but something you see. You may notice your child's chest sinking in and their ribs coming and going with each breath. If you see any of these symptoms, contact your child's doctor immediately.

Bronchiolitis

The most common cause of bronchiolitis is the RSV virus, but other viruses may cause the same symptoms. Bronchiolitis is mainly seen in children 2 years old and younger and causes wheezing and difficulty breathing.

Call your pediatrician if: A dry cough evolves into clicking, bubbling or rattling when your child inhales. Additionally, if your child is having labored breathing, it may be time to call your child's doctor.

Pneumonia

Children will experience Pneumonia symptoms differently than adults, and the symptoms tend to be very subtle, but pneumonia is typically accompanied by a high fever. Signs will also vary with age and the cause of the pneumonia.

Call your pediatrician if: your child has a frequent cough with high fever and/or rapid or difficult breathing.

Asthma

Asthma is the most common chronic disease of childhood, affecting almost one in 10 children – including more than 156,000 in North Texas, according to the Beyond ABC report. Asthma attacks can come and go and can be triggered by a number of factors, including exercise, cold air, excitement, laughing, roughhousing and exposure to environmental factors, like cigarette smoke and air pollution.

Call your pediatrician if: Your child's cough is accompanied by wheezing, often a high-pitched, whistle-like sound heard typically when exhaling.

Croup

Croup occurs when the upper airway (nose and upper throat) swells, which causes a child to work harder to breathe. Croup typically occurs in fall and winter and affects boys more than girls. A child can have croup at any age, but it happens more often in children under the age of 5.

Call your pediatrician if: Coughs associated with croup have a distinctive "barking" sound and are often accompanied by a high-pitched sound when inhaling. If you see any of these symptoms, contact your child's doctor immediately.

Pertussis

Pertussis, also called whooping cough, is a highly contagious illness of the respiratory mucous membrane. Caused by bacteria, pertussis is easily spread through infected coughs and sneezes, but can be prevented by a series of vaccines.

Call your pediatrician if: Your child's cough is marked by a series of short, violent coughs sometimes followed by a high-pitched intake of breath that sounds like whoop.

Could my child's cough be COVID‑19?

COVID‑19 is a contagious respiratory virus that can cause a wide range of symptoms, including a cough and fever. Anyone can have mild to severe illness due to COVID-19, including children. It is not possible to tell the difference between COVID-19 and a cold or upper respiratory infection without testing. Because of that, it is best to get tested for COVID-19 to rule it out. If your child tests positive for COVID-19, they should isolate themselves from those who are not infected. The best way to prevent COVID-19 is for everyone who is eligible to get the COVID‑19 vaccine.

Call your pediatrician if: Your child has a fever or chills, a cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, a headache, loss of taste or smell, a sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea/vomiting or diarrhea. Your child should be tested for COVID‑19 if they are experiencing a combination of any of these symptoms, especially if they have been exposed to someone who has COVID‑19.

How to help a child's cough

No matter the cause of your child's cough, here are a few cough treatments you can try at home:

1. Increase fluids. Increasing fluid intake can help soothe a sore throat and make the mucus in your child's lungs easier to cough up.

2. Rest in an upright position. Plenty of rest will help your child regain their health, but congestion may make it difficult to sleep. Try elevating the head of the bed by placing a few pillows under the mattress to help your child rest more easily.

3. Consider adding some humidity. A warm bath or shower may help ease your child's breathing, and a cool-mist humidifier in their room overnight may also help.

4. Eliminate irritants. These can include chemical fumes, cigarette smoke and small particles.

Most importantly, give over-the-counter medications with care. Cough suppressants can often do more harm than good and are not recommended for children. However, children may need a dose of over-the-counter medication like acetaminophen for pain or fever. Follow directions carefully. Always contact your child's doctor before giving any over-the-counter medication to a child younger than 6. Learn more about home remedies for cough in kids.

If you're concerned about your child's cough, call your pediatrician right away, especially if your child is working hard to breathe.

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asthma, breathing, common cold, cough medicine, physician advice, respiratory, treatment, virus

Cough

Is this your child's symptom?

  • The sound made when the cough reflex clears the airway of irritants
  • Most coughs are part of a cold
  • A coughing fit or spell is over 5 minutes of nonstop coughing
  • Coughs can be dry (no mucus) or wet (with white, yellow or green mucus)

Causes of Cough

  • Common Cold. Most coughs are part of a cold that includes the lower airway. The medical name is viral bronchitis. The bronchi are the lower part of the airway that go to the lungs. Bronchitis in children is always caused by a virus. This includes cold viruses, influenza and croup. Bacteria do not cause bronchitis in healthy children.
  • Sinus Infection. The exact mechanism of the cough is unknown. It may be that post-nasal drip irritates the lower throat. Or pressure within the sinus may trigger the cough reflex.
  • Allergic Cough. Some children get a cough from breathing in an allergic substance. Examples are pollens or cats. Allergic coughs can be controlled with allergy medicines, such as Benadryl.
  • Asthma. Asthma with wheezing is the most common cause of chronic coughs in children. In adults, it's smoking.
  • Cough Variant Asthma. 25% of children with asthma only cough and never wheeze. The coughing spells have the same triggers as asthma attacks.
  • Air Pollution Cough. Fumes of any kind can irritate the airway and cause a cough. Tobacco smoke is the most common example. Others are auto exhaust, smog and paint fumes.
  • Exercise Induced Cough. Running will make most coughs worse. If the air is cold or polluted, coughing is even more likely.
  • Serious Causes. Pneumonia, bronchiolitis, whooping cough and airway foreign object

Trouble Breathing: How to Tell

Trouble breathing is a reason to see a doctor right away. Respiratory distress is the medical name for trouble breathing. Here are symptoms to worry about:

  • Struggling for each breath or shortness of breath
  • Tight breathing so that your child can barely speak or cry
  • Ribs are pulling in with each breath (called retractions)
  • Breathing has become noisy (such as wheezes)
  • Breathing is much faster than normal
  • Lips or face turn a blue color

Phlegm or Sputum: What's Normal?

  • Yellow or green phlegm is a normal part of the healing of viral bronchitis.
  • This means the lining of the trachea (windpipe) was damaged by the virus. It's part of the phlegm your child coughs up.
  • Bacteria do not cause bronchitis in healthy children. Antibiotics are not helpful for the yellow or green phlegm seen with colds.
  • The main treatment of a cough with phlegm is to drink lots of fluids. Also, if the air is dry, using a humidifier will help. Sipping warm clear fluids will also help coughing fits.

Vaping Risks

  • Talk with your child about the dangers of vaping.
  • Vaping can cause severe lung injury. The lung damage can be permanent.
  • Vaping can even cause death.
  • Vaping tobacco also causes nicotine addiction.
  • The legal age to purchase vaping products is 21 in the US.
  • Encourage your teen to avoid vaping. If they have started, urge them to quit.
  • Warning: never use home-made or street-purchased vaping solutions. Reason: they have caused most lung damage.

When to Call for Cough

Call 911 Now

  • Severe trouble breathing (struggling for each breath, can barely speak or cry)
  • Passed out or stopped breathing
  • Lips or face are bluish when not coughing
  • You think your child has a life-threatening emergency

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

  • Trouble breathing, but not severe.
  • Lips or face have turned bluish during coughing
  • Harsh sound with breathing in (called stridor)
  • Wheezing (high-pitched purring or whistling sound when breathing out)
  • Breathing is much faster than normal
  • Can't take a deep breath because of chest pain
  • Severe chest pain
  • Coughed up blood
  • Weak immune system. Examples are: sickle cell disease, HIV, cancer, organ transplant, taking oral steroids.
  • High-risk child (such as cystic fibrosis or other chronic lung disease)
  • Fever in baby less than 12 weeks old. Caution: do NOT give your baby any fever medicine before being seen.
  • Fever over 104° F (40° C)
  • Your child looks or acts very sick
  • You think your child needs to be seen, and the problem is urgent

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

  • Nonstop coughing spells
  • Age less than 6 months old
  • Earache or ear drainage
  • Sinus pain (not just congestion) around cheekbone or eyes
  • Fever lasts more than 3 days
  • Fever returns after being gone more than 24 hours
  • Chest pain even when not coughing
  • Concerns about vaping
  • You think your child needs to be seen, but the problem is not urgent

Contact Doctor During Office Hours

  • Coughing causes vomiting 3 or more times
  • Coughing has kept home from school for 3 or more days
  • Allergy symptoms (such as runny nose and itchy eyes) also present
  • Runny nose lasts more than 14 days
  • Cough lasts more than 3 weeks
  • You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

  • Cough with no other problems

Seattle Children's Urgent Care Locations

If your child’s illness or injury is life-threatening, call 911.

  • Bellevue
  • Everett
  • Federal Way
  • Seattle

Care Advice for Cough

  1. What You Should Know About Coughs:
    • Most coughs are a normal part of a cold.
    • Coughing up mucus is very important. It helps protect the lungs from pneumonia.
    • A cough can be a good thing. We don't want to fully turn off your child's ability to cough.
    • Here is some care advice that should help.
  2. Homemade Cough Medicine:
    • Goal: decrease the irritation or tickle in the throat that causes a dry cough.
    • Age 6 months to 1 year: give warm clear fluids to treat the cough. Examples are apple juice and lemonade. Amount: use a dose of 1-2 teaspoons (5-10 mL). Give 4 times per day when coughing. Caution: do not use honey until 1 year old.
    • Age 1 year and older: use honey ½ to 1 teaspoon (2-5 mL) as needed. It works as a homemade cough medicine. It can thin the secretions and loosen the cough. If you don't have any honey, you can use corn syrup. You can also buy cough products that have honey in them at drug stores. They do not work better than plain honey and cost much more.
    • Age 6 years and older: use Cough Drops to decrease the tickle in the throat. If you don't have any, you can use hard candy. Avoid cough drops before 6 years. Reason: risk of choking.
  3. Non-Prescription Cough Medicine (DM):
    • Non-prescription cough medicines are not advised. Reason: no proven benefit for children and not approved under 6 years old (FDA).
    • Honey has been shown to work better for coughs. Caution: do not use honey until 1 year old.
    • If age 6 years or older, you might decide to use a cough medicine. Choose one with dextromethorphan (DM), such as Robitussin Cough syrup. DM is present in most non-prescription cough syrups. Follow the instructions on the package.
    • When to Use: give only for severe coughs that interfere with sleep or school.
    • DM Dose: give every 6 to 8 hours as needed.
  4. Coughing Fits or Spells - Warm Mist and Fluids:
    • Breathe warm mist, such as with shower running in a closed bathroom.
    • Give warm clear fluids to drink. Examples are apple juice and lemonade.
    • Age less than 6 months, only give breast milk or formula.
    • Age 6 - 12 months. Give 1-2 teaspoons (5-10 mL) each time. Limit to 4 times per day.
    • Age older than 1 year. Can also offer warm lemonade or herbal teas. Amount: a few ounces (30 mL) each time.
    • Reason: both relax the airway and loosen up any phlegm.
  5. Vomiting from Hard Coughing:
    • For vomiting that occurs with hard coughing, give smaller amounts per feeding.
    • Also, feed more often.
    • Reason: vomiting from coughing is more common with a full stomach.
  6. Encourage Fluids:
    • Try to get your child to drink lots of fluids.
    • Goal: keep your child well hydrated.
    • It also loosens up any phlegm in the lungs. Then it's easier to cough up.
    • It also will thin out the mucus discharge from the nose.
  7. Humidifier:
    • If the air in your home is dry, use a humidifier. Reason: dry air makes coughs worse.
  8. Fever Medicine:
    • For fevers above 102° F (39° C), give an acetaminophen product (such as Tylenol).
    • Another choice is an ibuprofen product (such as Advil).
    • Note: fevers less than 102° F (39° C) are important for fighting infections.
    • For all fevers: keep your child well hydrated. Give lots of cold fluids.
  9. Avoid Tobacco Smoke:
    • Tobacco smoke makes coughs much worse.
  10. Return to School:
    • Your child can go back to school after the fever is gone.
    • Your child should also feel well enough to join in normal activities.
    • For practical purposes, the spread of coughs and colds cannot be prevented.
  11. Extra Advice- Allergy Medicine for Allergic Cough:
    • Allergy medicine can bring an allergic cough under control within 1 hour. The same is true for nasal allergy symptoms.
    • A short-acting allergy medicine (such as Benadryl) is helpful. No prescription is needed. Age limit: 1 and older.
    • Do not use Benadryl longer than a few days.
    • Switch to a long-acting antihistamine, such as Zyrtec. Age limit: 2 and older.
  12. What to Expect:
    • Viral coughs most often last for 2 to 3 weeks.
    • Sometimes, your child will cough up lots of phlegm (mucus). The mucus can normally be gray, yellow or green.
    • Antibiotics are not helpful.
  13. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Trouble breathing occurs
    • Wheezing occurs
    • Cough lasts more than 3 weeks
    • You think your child needs to be seen
    • Your child becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

Last Reviewed: 12/18/2022

Last Revised: 09/23/2022

Copyright 2000-2022. Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.

Emergencies

Cough

Cough is probably the most common problem parents face. Very often, a cough, even if it sounds scary, has a harmless cause and goes away on its own. Sometimes coughing is a serious symptom. Let's try to figure out how to behave when a child coughs and when to start sounding the alarm.

What is a cough?

Cough is a protective reflex designed to clear the airways. During a cough push, the air abruptly leaves the lungs and forces everything that interferes with breathing - sputum and foreign bodies - to come out. If you think about the mechanism of coughing, it becomes clear that it is far from always necessary to “suppress” it. nine0005

What causes and what does a cough look like?

The most common cause of cough is a viral infection. Viruses can cause damage to the respiratory tract at different levels - from the nose (with a common cold) to the bronchi, bronchioles and lungs, and coughing is a common symptom in all these diseases. For example, sore throat and nasal discharge flowing down the back of the throat irritate the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract and stimulate the cough reflex. Due to irritation of the mucous membrane of the pharynx, a dry, hacking cough occurs, which will definitely pass without treatment, but in the acute period it can be quite frequent and painful, and even disrupt night's sleep. A runny nose and discharge along the back of the throat provoke a wet cough, while the child begins to cough when changing position of the body, especially in the morning and at night when he gets up, lies down or rolls over. If the virus infects the mucous membrane of the larynx, a false croup develops, that is, swelling and, as a result, narrowing of the lumen of the larynx, which is accompanied by a "barking" cough, hoarseness, and a characteristic noisy breath (the so-called stridor). With inflammation of the bronchi, bronchioles and alveoli - bronchitis, bronchiolitis and pneumonia, respectively - sputum accumulates in the lumen of the respiratory tract, swelling of the mucous membrane occurs, resulting in cough and shortness of breath. Unlike viral bronchitis and bronchiolitis, pneumonia is more commonly caused by bacteria and is accompanied by fever in addition to coughing and shortness of breath. In bronchial asthma, bronchospasm and accumulation of thick sputum in them occur after contact with an allergen, which also provokes a cough. nine0005

When should an ambulance be called for a child with a cough?

  • If the child has the following symptoms along with a cough: it is very difficult for the child to breathe: you see that the child is breathing with difficulty, it is difficult for him to speak (or scream, if we are talking about a baby) due to difficulty in breathing, the child has "groaning" or "groaning" breathing;
  • the child has lost consciousness and/or has stopped breathing; nine0026
  • the child's lips turned blue.

    • If the child does not have the most severe symptoms, but the child is concerned, see a doctor. An important sign of trouble is the appearance of the child - if he is lethargic, looks sick and if you cannot attract his attention and catch his eye. Shortness of breath, that is, rapid breathing, accompanied by an effort of the respiratory muscles and retraction of the intercostal spaces and the jugular fossa (depression above the sternum), is a sign that indicates damage to the lower respiratory tract. If you notice shortness of breath in a child, be sure to consult a doctor. Increased body temperature, especially fever above 39- 40 ° C, also requires that the child be examined by a doctor, as cough and fever can be symptoms of pneumonia.

    Special attention should be given to children in the first months of life, because in young children, serious illnesses can be erased, and the condition may worsen suddenly. If you have a fever (that is, if the child's rectal temperature is > 38 ° C) in children under three months old, you should definitely consult a doctor.

    Should yellow or greenish sputum cause concern? nine0008

    Yellow or green sputum does not always indicate a bacterial infection. With viral bronchitis and bronchiolitis, the yellow-green color of sputum is associated with the fact that cells of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, which the virus has damaged, enter the sputum. As a new mucous membrane is formed, the desquamated cells come out with sputum, so there is no need to be scared if the child coughs up yellow or even greenish sputum, since in most cases this is a normal manifestation of a viral infection that does not require antibiotics. nine0005

    What should I do if my child coughs at night?

    Most often, nocturnal cough is associated with the fact that when the child lies in bed, discharge from the nose and paranasal sinuses drain into the throat and cause a cough reflex. When a child rolls over in bed or gets up from a horizontal to an upright position, a coughing fit occurs. In such cases, the doctor will prescribe a topical treatment for the child to reduce the runny nose and, as a result, reduce the cough.

    Night cough also occurs with pathology of the lower respiratory tract. Therefore, if your child is concerned about a nighttime cough, consult a doctor.

    What if the child coughs to vomit?

    If your child has a paroxysmal cough before vomiting, contact your pediatrician as this may be a symptom of whooping cough. Whooping cough is especially dangerous for children in the first months of life. Sometimes whooping cough develops even in children who were vaccinated against it, but a lot of time has passed since the last revaccination. nine0005

    Some children have a very easy gag reflex and may vomit when they cough, even if the cough is simply due to a runny nose. If vomiting occurs against the background of coughing, feed the child more often, but in small portions.

    Prolonged cough

    It is not uncommon for a persistent cough to be caused by several successive viral infections. The child does not have time to recover from one infection and picks up another. In this case, the cough can last for several weeks and greatly frighten parents, although its cause is trivial. nine0005

    However, a prolonged cough may be associated with allergies, including bronchial asthma, as well as whooping cough and other diseases of the respiratory tract and ENT organs (a chronic cough may even be due to earwax plugs in the ears!), so in case of persistent cough, consult your doctor.

    How to treat a cough?

    Cough can have many causes, and each case is treated differently. Show the child to the doctor to understand what the cough is connected with and how to help the child. nine0005

    If the cough is accompanied by sputum production (wet, productive cough), sputum production should be stimulated to facilitate expectoration. Give your child more fluids (for example, apple juice or warm chicken broth can be given if age-appropriate and not allergic to these foods). If the air in the children's bedroom is dry, install a humidifier.

    Fight nonproductive (dry) cough by reducing upper airway irritation. To soften the cough and soothe the airways, give the child a drink of water or apple juice, this also helps with a coughing fit. Avoid giving carbonated drinks or citrus drinks as they can irritate inflamed mucous membranes. If the child is intolerant of honey, try giving it. Children over 6 years old can suck on cough drops. If a cough interferes with sleep, going to kindergarten and school, consult a doctor, he will prescribe an antitussive. nine0005

    Steam in the bathroom can help with a fit of coughing. Go into the bathroom, close the door, turn on the hot shower and wait a few minutes. After the bath is filled with steam, go there with the child, sit for about 20 minutes. Try reading a book or playing with the child so that he is distracted.

    Smoking is strictly prohibited at home! This contributes to frequent respiratory infections in the child and aggravates their course.

    Medicines such as antibiotics and inhaled bronchodilators, anti-inflammatory and mucolytic drugs are prescribed only by a doctor and are not required in every case. nine0005

    Up

    Fever

    Fever is an increase in body temperature of more than 38 ºС. Some symptoms and laboratory and instrumental studies help to understand the cause of the fever and prescribe the necessary treatment.

    If the fever is accompanied by a runny nose, cough, and "red throat", the most likely cause is a viral infection. Since antibiotics have no effect on viruses, antibiotic therapy in case of a viral infection is not prescribed. nine0005

    High fever (greater than 39°C) with chills should alert. Other symptoms that require immediate medical attention are the refusal of the child to eat and drink, severe lethargy, lack of "eye" contact with the child.

    Parents should know how to help a child with a fever .

    Only ibuprofen (10 mg/kg per dose) and paracetamol (15 mg/kg per dose) are allowed for use in children. From drugs based on ibuprofen in a pharmacy, you can buy nurofen, and from drugs based on paracetamol - panadol, cefecon, efferalgan. Metamizole sodium (or analgin), including as part of a "lytic mixture", can cause severe blood complications, and nimesulide (nimulide, nise) can cause life-threatening liver damage. If the child does not have a severe background pathology, such as heart disease or epilepsy, and if he satisfactorily tolerates fever (is interested in others, does not refuse to drink, does not complain of pain), antipyretic drugs are given at a temperature of 38.5 - 39ºС and above.

    And there is no need to achieve a decrease in body temperature immediately to 36.6 ºС! A good effect is considered to be a decrease in fever to 38 ºС. Safe and effective methods of physical cooling are rubbing with water at room temperature (not alcohol or vinegar!), which allows you to reduce body temperature by 0. 5 - 1.0 ºС in a few minutes. However, if the child has chills, if he has cold hands and feet, rubbing will not be effective. In such cases, massage of the hands and feet helps, which reduces vasospasm and improves peripheral circulation, and antispasmodic drugs, such as no-shpa, are also used. nine0005

    Up

    False croup

    In babies, false croup occurs quite often, so mothers need to know about it. Only parents can notice the first signs of narrowing of the larynx in time and help the child in time. The reason is viral infections. In children under 5 - 6 years of age, the airways are narrower than in adults, and therefore croup develops much more often. nine0026

  • If a baby with a cold has a "barking" cough and a hoarse voice, it is necessary that he breathe steam over hot water in the bathroom. If this does not help, and the breath becomes noisy and difficult, call an ambulance without stopping the inhalation of steam.

    • What is false croup?

    Croup is difficulty in breathing due to constriction of the larynx. To feel where the larynx is, you can put your hand on the front of the neck and make any sound - the larynx will vibrate. nine0005

    This part of the airway is quite narrow, and if the mucous membrane swells, it can completely block the lumen of the larynx, and air will not enter the lungs. In children under 5 - 6 years of age, the airways are narrower than in adults, and therefore croup develops much more often.

    Unlike false, true croup begins with diphtheria, when the lumen of the larynx is blocked by dense films. Thanks to vaccinations (DPT, ADS-M), this disease, fortunately, has become rare.

    Pseudocroup is caused by acute viral infections (eg parainfluenza virus or respiratory syncytial virus). The mucous membrane becomes inflamed, swells, and although films do not form, as in diphtheria, the result is the same - it is difficult for the child to breathe. nine0005

    How does it all start?

    Usually, the usual symptoms of acute respiratory infections appear first, i. e. runny nose, cough, fever. The first signs of the proximity of a false croup appear or intensify in the evening - this is a growing dry "barking" cough and a hoarse voice.

    Then the breath becomes "noisy" - at first only during crying or anxiety, that is, when the baby breathes deeper and faster. After a while, these symptoms persist even in a calm state. nine0005

    With croup, it is difficult for the baby to inhale exactly, that is, the inhalation turns out to be noisy, with effort, and the exhalation remains normal. During inhalation, you can notice how the jugular fossa (depression in the lower part of the neck between the collarbones) is drawn inward.

    Is it possible to prevent false croup?

    There are pathogens that most often cause croup: parainfluenza virus, influenza virus and respiratory syncytial virus. If a child has contracted this particular infection, the risk of developing croup is high, and, unfortunately, there are no remedies that protect against it. nine0005

    There are children who get colds without this complication, but in some the mucous membrane is more prone to swelling, and if one episode of difficulty breathing with acute respiratory infections has already been, it is likely that such conditions will recur. Parents need to be ready for them - until the child grows up, and the croup ceases to threaten him.

    What to do with false croup?

    If you notice its signs, first of all, you need to calm yourself and the child, because when you are excited, the muscles of the larynx contract, and it becomes even harder to breathe. nine0005

    For a "barking" cough, as long as breathing is silent and not labored, steam inhalation may help. Turn on hot water in the bathroom, let the child breathe in moist air for a few minutes.

    If this does not help and breathing becomes difficult (noisy breathing, indrawing of the jugular fossa), call an ambulance and continue to do steam inhalation until it arrives. The doctor will prescribe special inhalations with a local hormonal preparation for croup. Don't let the word "hormonal" scare you, because this drug works only in the respiratory tract, eliminating inflammation, and no other medicine for false croup will not be so effective. In severe cases, the doctor will inject a hormone (prednisolone or dexamethasone) intramuscularly. Don't worry about side effects because short cycles of hormones are safe and life-saving in these situations. nine0005

    If you are offered to hospitalize your child, do not refuse, because after temporary relief, breathing problems may recur.

    There are conditions that can be confused with false croup, such as inflammation of the epiglottis (cartilage that closes the larynx when swallowing). This disease is called epiglottitis: the child's temperature rises above 39 degrees, there is a severe sore throat, the mouth is difficult to open, and hormonal preparations do not help the child. nine0005

    If the epiglottis is inflamed, the child is admitted to the hospital and treated with antibiotics. But this disease is rare, and false croup is caused by viruses, so it makes no sense to take antibiotics.

    Is it possible to stop an attack of croup on your own?

    If it is not the first time that a child has false croup, you can take home a special device for inhalation - a nebulizer (choose a compressor model, since ultrasound can destroy drugs used for croup). Your doctor will tell you what medication to have at home and how much to use if needed. nine0005

    The child can return to kindergarten as soon as the body temperature returns to normal and the child feels well.

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    Vomiting and diarrhea

    Acute gastroenteritis is characterized by an increase in body temperature (from subfebrile condition to high fever), vomiting, stool thinning. Rotavirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis. The most severe is the first episode of rotavirus gastroenteritis in children from 6 months to 2-3 years. The peak incidence of this infection occurs in the winter - spring. nine0005

    The danger of viral gastroenteritis is associated with rapid dehydration and electrolyte disturbances due to loss of water and salts in loose stools and vomiting. Therefore, feeding the child is of fundamental importance. In order not to provoke vomiting, you need to drink fractionally (1 - 2 teaspoons), but often, if necessary, every few minutes. For convenience, you can use a syringe without a needle or a pipette. In no case should you drink the child with just water, this only exacerbates electrolyte disturbances! There are special saline solutions for drinking - rehydron (optimally ½ sachet per 1 liter of water), Humana electrolyte, etc.

    The daily need for fluid is presented in the table:

    Weight of the child Daily need for liquid
    2 - 10 kg 100 ml/kg
    10 - 20 kg + 50 ml/kg per kg over 10 kg
    > 20 kg 1500 ml + 20 ml/kg for each kg over 20 kg

    In addition, current fluid losses with loose stools and vomiting are taken into account - for each episode of diarrhea / vomiting, an additional 100 - 200 ml of fluid is given. nine0005

    Intravenous rehydration (fluid replenishment with drips) is done only for severe dehydration and persistent vomiting. In all other cases, you need to drink the child - it is safe, effective and painless.

    Smecta (but do not give smecta if it induces vomiting), espumizan or Sab simplex are used as adjuvants. Enterofuril is not recommended for use, as it is not effective either in viral infections or in invasive bacterial intestinal infections. In the diet during the acute period, fresh vegetables and fruits (except bananas), sweet drinks are excluded, and whole milk is limited only in older children. nine0005

    Parents need to be aware of the first signs of dehydration - a decrease in the frequency and volume of urination, thirst, dry skin and mucous membranes. With increasing dehydration, the child becomes lethargic, stops urinating, thirst disappears, the skin loses turgor, and the eyes “sink”. In this case, there is no time to waste, it is necessary to call a doctor and hospitalize the child.

    The appearance of blood and mucus in the stool in a child should be alerted, because this is typical for bacterial enterocolitis. Stool with such infections is not large (in contrast to copious watery stools with rotavirus infection), false urge to defecate and abdominal pain may be noted. Drinking water in such cases may not be enough, and, as a rule, antibiotics are required. nine0005

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    Pneumonia

    One of the serious diseases in children is pneumonia, or pneumonia. Pneumonia can pose a threat to a child's life. Fortunately, modern medicine has learned to cope well with pneumonia, and this disease can be completely cured in most cases. Therefore, if your baby gets sick with fever and cough, contact your pediatrician. If pneumonia is suspected, a doctor may order an x-ray of the lungs to confirm the diagnosis. nine0005

    What is pneumonia?

    Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lung tissue, that is, the deepest part of the respiratory system. Normally, gas exchange occurs in the lungs, that is, oxygen from the air enters the blood, and carbon dioxide is released from the blood into the environment. When part of the lung is inflamed, the breathing function in the affected lung is affected and the child develops shortness of breath, that is, rapid and labored breathing. Substances produced during the immune system's fight against bacteria cause fever (if the body temperature rises above 38 ° C, this is called a fever). The accumulation of sputum in the alveoli and bronchi and swelling of the mucous membrane stimulate the cough reflex, and a cough occurs. If the focus of pneumonia is near the lining of the lung, called the pleura, chest pains may occur when breathing and coughing. nine0005

    What causes pneumonia?

    There are many infections that can cause pneumonia. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause of so-called "typical" pneumonia. Pneumococcal pneumonia is accompanied by fever, cough, shortness of breath, lethargy, and decreased appetite. Less commonly, pneumonia is caused by other pathogens - hemophilus influenzae (Haemophilus influenzae) type b, pyogenic streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes) and Staphylococcus aureus (Staphylococcus aureus). "Atypical" pneumonia, which is usually milder and quite contagious, is caused by mycoplasmas and chlamydia. Less commonly, pneumonia is caused by viruses (adenovirus, RS virus) - such pneumonias are rare and can be very difficult. Pneumonia can develop suddenly or be a complication of the flu. nine0005

    What are the symptoms of pneumonia?

    The most important symptom of pneumonia is fever. In a young child, fever may be the only manifestation. Fever above 39.5°C with chills and fever that is poorly reduced after taking antipyretic drugs should be especially alert. Although not always a high fever that does not respond well to antipyretics is a symptom of pneumonia. This may be a manifestation of a respiratory viral infection.

    The second important symptom of pneumonia is a cough. The nature of the cough matters. Particularly alarming are the "deep" cough, cough at night and cough before vomiting.

    Severe pneumonia is usually accompanied by shortness of breath, that is, rapid and labored breathing. Sometimes a symptom of pneumonia is pain in the abdomen, which occurs due to irritation of the pleura (lung membrane) during inflammation of the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe lung adjacent to the pleura and due to frequent coughing and, accordingly, tension in the abdominal muscles. nine0005

    Very important signs that speak in favor of pneumonia are symptoms of intoxication, such as fatigue, weakness, refusal to eat and even drink. At the same time, unlike pneumococcal pneumonia, with mycoplasmal pneumonia, the child may feel well.
    Coughing and wheezing in the lungs are symptoms not only of pneumonia, but also of bronchitis. It is very important that the doctor distinguishes pneumonia from bronchitis, since antibiotics are not always required for bronchitis and only if its mycoplasmal etiology is suspected. nine0005

    What can happen if pneumonia is not treated?

    This is fraught with complications that are more likely to occur if pneumonia is left untreated. Complications of pneumonia are inflammation of the pleura (pleurisy) and the formation of a cavity in the lung filled with pus (lung abscess). In such cases, a longer course of antibiotics will be required, and sometimes the help of a surgeon.

    How to treat pneumonia?

    If you have bacterial pneumonia, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic. The doctor will decide which antibiotic to choose depending on the suspected cause of the pneumonia. In most cases, the child can be given the antibiotic by mouth (as a suspension or tablets) rather than by injection. The effect of the antibiotic occurs within 24-48 hours. If after 1 - 2 days the child does not feel better and the temperature rises, consult a doctor again. nine0005

    Usually a child with pneumonia can be treated at home. Hospitalization is required for severe and complicated pneumonia, when the child needs intravenous antibiotics, supplemental oxygen, pleural punctures, and other serious medical interventions.
    Give the child an antipyretic (ibuprofen or paracetamol) if the body temperature rises above 38.5 to 39°C. Antitussives, such as butamirate (Sinekod drug), are contraindicated in pneumonia.

    Can pneumonia be prevented?

    There are vaccines designed to protect against pneumococcus and Haemophilus influenzae, which cause the most severe forms of pneumonia (against pneumococcus - vaccines "Prevenar", "Pneumo 23", against Haemophilus influenzae - "Act-HIB", "Hiberix", a component against Haemophilus influenzae sticks are part of the Pentaxim vaccine, components against pneumococcus and Haemophilus influenzae are simultaneously part of Synflorix). Since pneumococcal pneumonia often develops as a complication of influenza, influenza vaccination is helpful. It is very important that parents do not smoke in the presence of a child, as secondhand smoke makes the lungs weak and vulnerable. nine0005

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    what are the dangers of inhalation and how to relieve a cough in a child? » News of Izhevsk and Udmurtia, news of Russia and the world - on the Izhlife website all the latest news for today

    November 13, 2015 17:14

    Children

    In the midst of the cold and SARS season, we figure out how to help a coughing baby.

    33 081

    revision archive

    Cough is the body's way of getting rid of mucus that accumulates in the lungs. But this symptom scares parents no less than a high temperature. What to do if the baby coughs, the pediatrician, candidate of medical sciences and popular TV presenter Evgeny Komarovsky will tell. nine0005

    Of course, the first thing to do is to understand the cause of the cough, that is, to make a diagnosis. Sometimes a runny nose is “to blame” - then the mucus from the nose simply flows down the throat and accumulates in the throat, sometimes it is an allergy or too dry and dusty air in the room. But most often, a cough appears against the background of SARS, and then it is accompanied by fever, runny nose, sore throat and other symptoms.

    What do you need to know about cough medicines?

    They are divided into two groups: cough medicines that suppress it, and expectorants. nine0005

    Evgeny Komarovsky,

    pediatrician, PhD and popular TV presenter:

    Any cough indicates that a lot of mucus has accumulated in the child's lungs. If we give him cough medicine at the same time, then this mucus will not come out, which means that the air movement in the lungs will be disturbed, bacteria will accumulate there, and this can lead to serious complications. Therefore, such drugs should be prescribed by a doctor! nine0275

    But expectorants increase the amount of mucus, make it more liquid, and it is easier for the child to “throw it out”. But even here there are a number of subtleties.

    - When coughing, mucus is pushed out by muscle contractions, - explains Evgeny Olegovich. - These muscles are much weaker in children, so it is difficult for them to expectorate sputum. And when the child takes an expectorant, there is more mucus, but the baby cannot remove it all. As a result, he coughs all night, and in the morning the doctor hears wheezing in his lungs due to accumulated mucus and sends the baby to the hospital. But wheezing arose not because the child had pneumonia, but because we gave him medicine! nine0005

    Dr. Komarovsky also emphasizes that the effectiveness of expectorants in comparison with heavy drinking has not been proven. In addition, such medicines are useless if the problem is in the upper respiratory tract - pharyngitis (inflammation of the throat), laryngitis (inflammation of the larynx), etc. If the child has bronchitis or pneumonia, the parents will not treat this condition on their own anyway, so the doctor will prescribe all the medicines.

    About the danger of inhalation

    – In young children, the respiratory muscles are practically not developed, explains Yevgeny Komarovsky. - If a baby has dry, viscous mucus in his lungs, and you put him over a pot of potatoes, the hot steam will instantly make the mucus moist and it will increase in size. A child older than 5 years old will cough up this lump without difficulty, but a younger child may begin to choke. nine0005

    Therefore, if you follow the rules indicated above, the mucus in your baby's lungs simply does not have time to dry out, which means that inhalations are not terrible for him, but at the same time they are not needed.

    Meanwhile

    What is bronchitis and how can it be treated?

    One of the most common illnesses that causes coughing is bronchitis, or inflammation of the bronchi. The mucous membrane of the bronchi swells, the bronchus narrows, and mucus forms in the lumen.

    Learn more