Coughing is a common occurrence in children. Coughing clears the airways of mucous and other substances, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. A child can cough several times day without it being a sign of a serious problem. Sometimes, though, a cough warrants a doctor's attention.
Significance
A dry cough in a child can be a sign of illness. Asthma can present as a persistent cough. A dry cough can also accompany a cold or other upper-respiratory infection. Children with gastroesophageal reflux ofen have a dry cough.
Considerations
Several causes of a dry cough are environmental and avoidable. Cigarette smoke, smog, dust, pollens, pet dander and industrial chemicals can trigger a dry cough. The cough can be minimized by reducing exposure to these elements. A low-humidity environment can also induce coughing. Adding moisture to the air can remedy this problem.
Identification
Symptoms accompanying the dry cough can sometimes point to a diagnosis. A runny nose or cough during allergy season can indicate asthma. Large amounts of spit-up can indicate gastroesophageal reflux in a baby.
Treatment
Common strategies include humidifying the air and avoiding smoke. Dr. James M. Steckelberg of the Mayo Clinic says that 2 tablespoons of honey given at bedtime can be an effective cough suppressant. Because of the risk of infant botulism, however, honey should not be given to children younger than 1.
Warning
Prompt medical attention is necessary if the child has respiratory difficulty, a fever, coughed-up blood or high-pitched breathing. The child should also be seen by a doctor if he has been exposed to someone with tuberculosis and has night sweats, along with the dry cough. In addition, any cough that lasts longer than two weeks requires a doctor's attention.
