When to Seek Help for Your Child’s Cough
So many of us as parents have been going through the endless coughs with our kids this winter. If your child has a cough and you've been wondering "When should I bring them in to see my care team?", here are some tips to help.
What to Know
LONGER THAN 10 DAYS. Many kids this season have had lingering coughs - coughs that feel like they've lasted forever. Most viral coughs can last almost 7-10 days, and some longer. But if your child has a cough that has been going on every single day (without a day free) for more than 10 days, it's good to make sure there is no other reason (i.e. a secondary infection - ear infection, pneumonia), wheezing, postnasal drip, etc.).
COUGH AND THEN NEW FEVER. Many viral infections start with a fever and a cough - the fever eventually goes away, and the cough lingers for a while. But if your child has had a cough for a few days and THEN gets a fever after that, it can sometimes signal a secondary or new infection.
COUGH THAT IS GETTING WORSE INSTEAD OF BETTER OVER TIME. Most coughs should be steady or getting better slowly over time - if your child has a cough that is progressively getting worse instead, it's good to check in with your care team. (Note: With RSV and bronchiolitis, symptoms do get worse on days 4-6 of illness and then slowly improve.)
RESPIRATORY DISTRESS. Respiratory distress means a few things - if your child has any of these, it's important to seek medical attention. See my breathing reel for real-life examples of these.
Increased "work of breathing" — subcostal retractions (tugging at the bottom of the ribs), intercostal retractions (tugging between the ribs), suprasternal retractions (tugging above the ribs at the collarbone), or nasal flaring.
Extra sounds — wheezing, stridor, or grunting.
TRUST YOUR GUT. You know your child best - if something feels off or doesn't seem right, trust that instinct. Parents have the best sense of their kids - we trust you in the care process.
What to Have
I believe in being intentional about things you keep at home when your children are sick. You don’t need a million products, but these are a few items that can help when your kids have coughs:
Honey (*for kids over 1 year old only)
