Cold weather is coming and so are respiratory problems. Babies and children are the ones who suffer the most at this time of year! This is the time when the flu, colds, and a great symphony of sneezing and coughing happen. And let’s be honest, a baby with a cough is nerve-wracking! A baby’s cough can occur for many reasons and can start from a simple cold1. But pay close attention to all the signs that come along with the cough, as it can indicate something more serious. If the cough lasts more than a week, you should see a pediatrician.

Warning Signs

Some signs indicate that the cough may be something more serious and deserves extra care. Pay attention if you notice:

  • If the baby’s breathing is faster than normal;
  • If you notice some difficulty breathing;
  • If you hear wheezing or noise while breathing (similar to a whistle);
  • If you see small spots of blood in the sputum;
  • Fever of 38 degrees Celsius (100.4°F) or higher;

Can I Give My Baby Cough Syrup?

Some parents are used to medicating their baby at home, always believing it’s just a minor cold. Even if you think it will go away quickly, it’s best to always consult a pediatrician for evaluation and medication if necessary. Even though over-the-counter cold and cough remedies are easily found in popular pharmacies, you must be certain what your baby has before starting the appropriate treatment, and of course, get the exact prescription for the medicine2. In fact, did you know that many of these medicines, freely sold in pharmacies and drugstores, are considered ineffective and can pose risks to children’s health? That’s why any medication should only be used with a proper pediatric prescription. The age and weight must be considered for each medication, and for which age group of children it is indicated. Some pediatric medications cannot be used by babies. Even an antipyretic, which may seem harmless at first glance, can cause irreversible harm to a baby’s or child’s health. That’s why you can never be too cautious when it comes to medicine and health.

Main Causes of Baby’s Cough

Some health conditions can cause symptoms like coughing, but even though it is a very common symptom, treatment should focus on the cause. Cold: Usually, babies with a cold have symptoms like a stuffy nose, runny nose, sneezing, loss of appetite, and watery eyes. However, dry cough or even coughs with mucus can occur. Bronchiolitis: Bronchiolitis always begins with symptoms very similar to a cold. However, mild symptoms can start to get worse and develop into breathing difficulty and strong wheezing in the chest. Pertussis (Whooping Cough): This disease is known by the very characteristic sound babies and children make when they try to take a deep breath. Between bouts of coughing, the baby may lose strength and make a strange sound. Whooping cough is a highly dangerous disease, especially for babies under 1 year old. Allergic reactions also trigger coughing fits, especially allergies to animal hair and dust. It’s common to have symptoms very similar to a cold or flu that never goes away. Allergies cause a runny nose, cough, sneezing, and stuffy nose. Asthma attacks also often make the baby cough a lot, especially at night. The cough is usually accompanied by chest congestion, loud wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Another possibility for coughing is an environmental factor, such as cigarette smoke, pollution, or some chemical agent present in the air from a factory or even cars. In this case, it’s necessary to identify and do everything possible to remove it in order to solve the problem. Pneumonia: Pneumonia starts as an infection in the lungs, often beginning with a cold or flu. If the cold just gets worse, with persistent cough, difficulty breathing, high fever, and body aches, see your pediatrician immediately. Pneumonia is dangerous and if not treated properly, can be fatal. Laryngitis: Coughing is one of the main features of laryngitis, and it sounds very much like a dog barking. It usually appears during the night and can make strange sounds when the mouth is open. Hoarseness and fever are other symptoms of laryngitis.

Treatment of Cough in Babies

Treatment for a baby with a cough is relatively simple. If done correctly, it will bring quick relief and the symptoms will disappear as soon as possible. The most recommended treatment is to use a nebulizer with saline solution. The nebulizer helps open the bronchi and makes breathing easier. But if you don’t have a nebulizer at home, you can use a bowl with warm water placed next to the sleeping baby. The pediatrician may recommend using an expectorant or antihistamine syrup to help relieve the symptoms. Always be careful with the correct dosage and give it at the scheduled time. Bundle up the baby well in cold weather and avoid exposing them to very closed spaces with large crowds, especially those with air conditioning3. Some home remedies claim to help with treatment, mainly those based on honey. However, it’s worth warning that honey is not recommended for babies due to the high risk of botulism. Be cautious with homemade remedies! The best thing is always to do what the pediatrician recommends. Also See: Immunity in Babies – How to Increase or Strengthen It? Photo: Myriams-Fotos