![]() There is also the possibility, particularly in a younger child, that the lower airway is being blocked by a foreign object or mucus from a respiratory infection. When coughing is accompanied by a wheezing sound as your child exhales, it may be a sign that your child’s lower airway is inflamed. Other people can become infected by inhaling the drops or getting the drops on their hands and then touching their mouths or noses. The bacteria can spread from person to person through tiny drops of fluid in the air from an infected person’s nose or mouth, which get propelled by sneezes, coughs, or laughs. ![]() It’s important to follow the immunization schedule that your child’s doctor provides. The pertussis vaccine, which is part of the DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis) immunization, is routinely given in five doses before a child’s sixth birthday. Other symptoms of pertussis include a runny nose, sneezing, mild cough, and a low-grade fever.Īlthough pertussis can occur at any age, it’s most severe in infants under 1 year old who aren’t immunized. The illness is marked by severe coughing spells that end in a “whooping” sound when a child breathes in. Whooping cough is another name used to refer to the illness pertussis, an infection of the respiratory tract that’s caused by a type of bacteria called bordetella pertussis. Often it’s accompanied by stridor, a noisy, harsh breathing (some doctors describe it as a coarse, musical sound) that occurs when a child inhales (breathes in). Children younger than 3 years of age tend to get croup because their windpipes are narrow.Ĭroup can come on suddenly, and in the middle of the night, when your child is at rest. When a young child’s airway becomes inflamed, it may swell near, or just below, the vocal cords, making it harder to breathe. ![]() Most often barky coughs are caused by croup, an inflammation of the larynx (voice box) and trachea (windpipe).Ĭroup can be brought on by allergies, change in temperature at night or, most commonly, a viral upper respiratory infection. Here’s some guidance on different types of coughs and the kinds of conditions they’re typically associated with. If you’re concerned that your child’s cough is an indication of a larger illness, or have any questions about your child’s symptoms, call your child’s doctor.īarky coughs are usually caused by an inflammation or swelling in the upper part of the airway. Types of Coughs and What They Typically Mean Recognizing certain types of coughs will help you know how to handle them and when to seek medical help. Occasionally, though, your child’s cough is going to warrant a visit to the doctor. In fact, coughing is a healthy and important reflex that helps clear the airways in the throat and chest. Originally reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MDĬoughs are one of the most frequent symptoms of childhood illness, and although they can sound awful at times, they usually are not a symptom of a serious condition.
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