Painful Coughing in Kids – Pediatrician Insights

 Painful coughing in kids can be distressing for both the child and their parents. There are several reasons children develop coughs, which can make it difficult for parents to determine what is causing the cough and when to see a pediatrician. However, a child’s cough is nothing to worry about.

To help parents understand the severity of their child’s cough and what causes it, Dr. Promilla Butani, a general pediatrician in Delhi, has shared crucial insights on the same in this blog. Keep reading to learn more.

What is Causing the Child's Cough?

As we all know, coughing can be distressing for both the child and their parents. However, it’s vital to identify the underlying cause of the cough and address it appropriately. Here are some leading causes of painful coughing in kids:

1. Cold: The common cold produces a wet cough with mucus. One should consult a pediatrician if the child’s voice is becoming hoarse. If the child has a cold, medications are not needed. Keep the child well hydrated, have them blow their nose, and make them rest as needed. As long as there is no fever, the child may continue attending school.

2. Allergies: Seasonal allergies do not affect children under the age of two or three. Symptoms of these allergies include watery eyes, a running nose, a sore throat, or itchiness. However, allergies do not cause tiredness or body aches.

3. Respiratory Infections: Coughing can be a symptom of various respiratory infections like the common cold, flu, bronchitis, or pneumonia. These infections can cause inflammation and irritation in the airways, which makes coughing painful for kids. One can consult Dr. Promilla Butani, a leading pediatrician in Delhi to seek medical attention.

4. Pneumonia: Children normally experience pneumonia symptoms differently from adults, and the symptoms tend to be very subtle. However, pneumonia is often accompanied by a high fever too. But the signs will vary depending on the cause of pneumonia and the child’s age. If the child is suffering from frequent coughs and has a high fever and difficulty breathing, a pediatrician should be consulted.

5. Asthma: Asthma is the most common disease of childhood and almost affects 1 in 10 children. Asthma attacks can be triggered by several factors, such as laughter, environmental factors, cold air, exercises, etc. If the child’s cough is accompanied by wheezing, consult a pediatrician right away.

6. Croup: Croup occurs when the upper airway swells and makes it difficult for the child to breathe. Boys are more likely to contract croup than girls throughout the winter. Coughs that are associated with croup and are accompanied by a high-pitched sound when inhaling need the intervention of a pediatrician.

How to Help a Child’s Cough?

No matter what the cause of the child’s cough is, here are a few cough methods that can be used at home:

1. Increase Fluids: Increasing fluid intake can soothe a sore throat and make the mucus in the child’s lungs easier to cough.

2. Rest in an Upright Position: The child will benefit from getting lots of sleep, but congestion could make it hard for them to go to sleep. To make it easier for them to fall asleep, try raising the head of the bed by placing a couple of pillows under the mattress.

3. Make it Warm: The child's breathing may be made easier by a warm bath or shower, and a nighttime cool-mist humidifier in their room might also help.

4. Eliminate Irritants: This can include small particles, smoke from cigarettes, and chemical odors.

5. Medications: Over-the-counter cough suppressants or throat lozenges may provide temporary relief, but it's important to consult a pediatrician before giving any medication to the child, as they might have some side effects and interactions.

When to Seek Medical Attention?

If the child is experiencing severe pain, difficulty breathing, has a high fever that lasts more than a week, or has any underlying medical condition, it is recommended to seek consultation with a pediatrician right away. Dr. Promilla Butani is one of the top 10 child specialist in Delhi who practices at Dr. Promilla Butani's Pediatrics Practice. Not only will she provide effective treatment for coughing, but she also offers treatment for other diseases such as asthma and allergies. She also looks after social pediatrics, general pediatrics, offers guidance on breastfeeding techniques to parents, provides a range of vaccinations and many more.

To get personalized guidance and proper treatment for your child's painful cough, visit Dr. Promilla Butani's Pediatrics Practice