Cold weather is coming and respiratory problems as well. Babies and children suffer the most at this time of year! At this time, the flu, cold, and a great symphony of sneezing and coughing happens. And let’s agree, a baby with a cough is desperation!
Baby coughing can happen for a variety of reasons and can start from a small cold. But be aware of all the signs that accompany the cough, as it may indicate something more serious. If the cough condition lasts for more than a week, a pediatrician should be sought.
Warning Signs
Some signs indicate that the cough may be something more serious and deserves extra care. Be aware when you observe:
- If the baby’s breathing is faster than normal;
- If you notice a certain difficulty in breathing;
- If you notice any hiss or noise when breathing (similar to a whistle);
- If you see small blood stains in the expelled mucus;
- Fever 38 degrees up;
Can I give my baby cough syrup?
Some parents are in the habit of medicating their baby at home and always believe that it is a mild cold. Even if you believe it will pass quickly, the ideal is always to see a pediatrician to assess and medicate, if necessary.
Even if anti-flu and expectorant remedies are easily bought at popular pharmacies, it is necessary to be sure of what the baby has to start the proper treatment, in addition to the exact prescription of the drug.
In fact, did you know that many of these remedies sold freely in pharmacies and drugstores are considered ineffective and can pose risks to children’s health? Therefore, any medication should only be used under the appropriate prescription from the pediatrician.
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Each medication must be considered the age and weight and be considered for which age group of the child is indicated. Babies cannot use some infant medications.
Even an antipyretic that may seem harmless at first sight can cause irreversible damage to a baby or child’s health. Therefore, there is little caution when it comes to medicines and health.
Main Causes of Baby with Cough
Some health conditions can lead to cough symptoms, but even if it is a very common symptom, treatment should be carried out focusing on the cause.
Cold: Usually cold babies, have symptoms such as the stuffy nose, runny nose, sneezing, lack of appetite, and watery eyes. However, dry cough or even phlegm can occur.
Bronchiolitis: The bronchiolitis always starts with very similar symptoms of a cold. However, mild symptoms can begin to worsen and develop difficulty in breathing and strong wheezing.
Whooping cough: The disease is known for the very typical noise that babies and children make when they try to breathe deeply. Between coughing fits, the baby may lose strength and end up making a different sound. Whooping cough is a highly dangerous disease, especially in infants younger than 1 year of age.
Allergy conditions also trigger coughing attacks, especially allergies to animal hair and dust. It is normal to have symptoms very similar to the flu or cold that can never be cured. Allergies cause a runny nose, coughing, sneezing, and stuffy nose.
Asthma conditions also tend to make the baby cough a lot, especially at night. Coughing is usually accompanied by chest congestion, loud wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
Another possibility for coughing is that it is caused by an environmental factor, such as cigarette smoke, pollution, or some chemical agent present in the air emitted by a factory and even cars. In this case, it is necessary to identify and try to do everything to remove it, to end the problem.
Pneumonia: Pneumonia starts with an infection in the lungs, where it starts with a cold or the flu. If the cold gets worse, you have a persistent cough, difficulty breathing, high fever, and body aches, see your pediatrician immediately. Pneumonia is dangerous, and if not treated properly, it can lead to death.
Laryngitis: Cough is one of the laryngitis characteristics, and it is very similar to a dog’s bark. It usually appears at night and makes sounds when your mouth is open. Hoarseness and fever are other symptoms of laryngitis.
Cough Treatment in Babies
Treatment for a baby with a cough is relatively simple. If done correctly, it will quickly relieve and disappear symptoms as soon as possible. The most suitable treatment is the use of saline inhaler.
The inhaler helps to open the bronchi and breathe more easily. But if you do not have a nebulizer at home, it is possible to use a basin with warm water and be left beside the sleeping baby.
The pediatrician may recommend the use of an expectorant or antiallergic syrup to relieve symptoms. Always be careful with the right dose and the given time to give. Wrap the baby up well in cold seasons and avoid exposing the baby in very closed environments, with large crowds of people, especially when using air conditioning.
Some home remedies promise to help in the treatment, mainly based on honey. However, it is worth noting that honey is not suitable for babies due to botulism’s great risk. Take care with homemade recipes! The ideal is always to do what the pediatrician recommends.
