Parents do everything they can to protect their baby, but viral and bacterial infections still can find their way to your baby's lungs. The common cold, pertussis and respiratory syncytial virus, known as RSV, can cause a severe cough. The cough will be worse at night since mucus drains into your baby's throat while sleeping and triggers the cough reflex. Always consult with your doctor when your infant is sick.
Identification
Your baby may have a severe cough because of the common cold, which can cause him to have a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, watery eyes, a low-grade fever and a dry cough. If pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is causing your baby's cough, the symptoms will initially mimic the common cold. Within two weeks, however, your baby will have a dry and irritating cough that makes it difficult for him to catch his breath. Coughing spells will end in a whooping sound or your child may vomit. Some babies do not make the whooping sound, but instead will gasp for air and may stop breathing for a few seconds. RSV, a contagious viral disease that can lead to serious health problems for young children, will mimic the common cold, but wheezing and a reduced appetite may also be present.
Cause
Rhinovirus is the most common cause of colds. The bacterium bordetella pertussis causes whooping cough. As the name implies, a virus causes RSV, which often causes bronchiolitis and pneumonia for infants. The common cold, whooping cough and RSV are all contagious and are spread by respiratory droplets in the air that end up in a person's mouth or nose. If these respiratory droplets land on objects that later come into contact with your baby's mouth or nose, the baby can catch the illness.
Treatment
Since the common cold and RSV are viruses, they usually clear on their own within a few weeks. Keep your baby comfortable by giving him plenty of fluids, easing congestion with nasal saline drops and removing excess mucus from your baby's nose with a rubber bulb syringe. Place a cool-mist humidifier in your baby's room. Turn your bathroom into a steam room several times per day by turning the shower to the hottest setting and closing the bathroom door. Sit in the steam with your baby for 10 to 15 minutes, especially before your baby goes to bed. Prop the head of your baby's crib one to two inches to reduce post-nasal drainage into the throat. Treat whooping cough with antibiotics. If your baby is coughing to the point that he is turning blue or is having difficulties breathing, seek emergency medical attention.
Prevention
The common cold and RSV are very difficult to avoid since there is no vaccine. Almost everyone gets RSV by age 2, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. High-risk infants, such as preemies or infants with heart and lung problems, can get a monthly shot of palivizumab to help prevent RSV. Children receive a vaccination to prevent whooping cough as part of the DTaP immunizations.
