Pediatric coughing can be disheartening for the parents and the child. When the child is a toddler, it is even more difficult to understand what you can do to help. Treating the cough can be challenging, but what is equally important is to recognize the attributes of the cough to know why your toddler is coughing. Coughing is the body's mechanism to clear the lungs and airways for easier breathing, but these airways can be bothered for several reasons.
Common Cold
According to Medline Plus, if your child experiences a cough that is brought on suddenly, and is only around for a few weeks, it is likely related to the common cold or flu. Your child may have other symptoms such as runny nose or fever that will help diagnose the cough as a cold. If the cough is persistent, or if the child is in pain, contact a physician.
Asthma
Asthma is a condition brought on by inflamed airways. The airways swell and contract causing difficulty in breathing and mucus secretion. Most toddlers with asthma will cough, and the University of Chicago Medical Center states that coughing after running, crying, or long-term coughing at night are all symptoms that may point to your toddler having asthma. Watch for wheezing as this can also be a sign of asthma. If left untreated, asthma can be dangerous, so speak to your child's pediatrician if you suspect she may have it.
Allergies
Allergies can also cause your toddler to cough. They are often caused by breathing in allergens. These allergens will usually leave your child with eyes that itch and water. They can also cause sneezing and a runny nose. Know your child's allergy information and watch other symptoms to see if his cough is due to allergies.
Croup
One of the scariest kinds of cough your child can have is croup. This is because it sounds so harsh and is accompanied by difficulty in breathing. According to MayoClinic.com, croup most often occurs as an acute onset in the middle of the night. This can be alarming for the parent and toddler as she may appear to be struggling to breathe and is usually frightened.
Warning
While it may be difficult to listen to your toddler cough, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute warns that giving your toddler cough medicine can be harmful to him. If his cough is consistently getting worse or if he seems to be in pain, call your physician. HealthyChildren.org recommends calling emergency personnel if your toddler has cough with discolored lips, has passed out or cannot cry or talk due to cough.
