Every cough is not a cause for alarm. Many times, when kids experience minor coughing for a few days or a week, they are simply dealing with a case of the common cold, which will pass on its own with time and rest. However, there are times when a cough is more concerning. As a parent, you need to be on the lookout for these signs that your child's cough is caused by something more sinister than a cold.
A Fever
The common cold does not typically cause a fever, or if it does cause a fever, the fever is very mild - below 101 degrees F. If your child has a fever over 101 F, something more sinister may be going on. If the fever came on suddenly and is accompanied by body aches, a headache, and other respiratory symptoms, your child may just have the flu.
If your child is older than four months old and their fever is below 102 F, you can allow the fever to pass on its own, assuming your child does not have any of the other worrisome symptoms discussed below. If the fever is above 102 F, however, you should call your pediatrician; they will probably want to see your child. Pneumonia and bronchitis can cause a high fever, and prompt treatment is important for both illnesses.
A Whooping Noise
If your child's cough has an odd tonality that sounds like "whoop," then they probably have a condition called whooping cough, or pertussis. Caused by infectious bacteria, pertussis has been on the rise in recent years.
Pertussis can be deadly - according to the Centers of Disease Control, there were 139,382 deaths caused by pertussis in 2011. Thankfully, if the disease is caught early, it is treatable with antibiotics and most children make a complete recovery. So call your pediatrician immediately if your child's cough has a whooping or barking characteristic.
Chest Pain
The common cold is an upper respiratory infection, which means it affects your child's trachea and sinuses. If your child is experiencing chest pain, that indicates that they're dealing with a lower respiratory ailment that has moved into either the lungs or the bronchi - the respiratory tubes that lead to the lungs. Your child may complain that their chest hurts when they cough, or that it feels heavy or tight all the time.
An infection of the bronchi is caused bronchitis, and an infection of the lungs is called pneumonia. Both can be very serious, and bronchitis can rapidly progress to pneumonia if left untreated.
If the infection is caused by bacteria, your child's doctor will probably prescribe antibiotics. Some children with pneumonia require oxygen therapy or IV antibiotics. If your pediatrician believes these treatments are necessary, your child may need to spend a few nights in the hospital.
Lethargy
A cold can leave your child feeling a bit tired, but if they are downright lethargic, that's when you need to be concerned. Extreme fatigue, fainting, and listlessness can be signs of pneumonia. They could also indicate that your child is experiencing severe dehydration due to the flu. Both conditions require medical care. Children who are dehydrated often require IV fluids for rehydration.
While you do not need to rush your child to the doctor every time they cough, a cough should prompt you to be on the lookout for the other more serious symptom above. Pertussis, pneumonia, bronchitis, and even the flu can have serious consequences, especially in kids. When in doubt, call your pediatrician.
Contact Valley Pediatric Clinic if you're looking for a new pediatrician in the Rio Grande Valley.