Index
Weather cold coming and respiratory problems as well . Babies and children suffer the most at this time of year! It is at this time that the flu, cold and a great symphony of sneezing and coughing happens. And let’s agree, baby with a cough is a desperation!
Baby coughing can occur for a variety of reasons and can start from a small cold. But be aware of all the signs that accompany the cough, as it may indicate something more serious. If the cough condition lasts for more than a week, a pediatrician should be sought.
Warning Signs
Some signs indicate that the cough may be something more serious and that it deserves extra care. Be aware when you observe:
- If the baby’s breathing is faster than normal;
- If you notice a certain difficulty in breathing;
- If you notice any wheezing or noise when breathing (similar to a whistle);
- If you see small blood stains in the expelled phlegm;
- Fever 38 degrees up;
Can I give my baby cough syrup?
Some parents are in the habit of medicating their baby at home and always believe that it is a mild cold. Even if you believe it will pass quickly, the ideal is always to see a pediatrician to assess and medicate, if necessary.
Even if anti-flu and expectorant remedies are easily purchased at popular pharmacies, it is necessary to be sure of what the baby has to start the proper treatment , in addition to the exact prescription of the remedy.
In fact, did you know that many of these remedies sold freely in pharmacies and drugstores are considered ineffective and can pose risks to children’s health? Therefore, any medication should only be used under the proper prescription of the pediatrician.
Each medication must be taken into account the age and weight and also be considered for which age group of the child is indicated. Some infant medications cannot be used by babies.
Even an antipyretic that at first sight may seem harmless, can cause irreversible damage to the health of a baby or child. Therefore, there is little caution when it comes to medicines and health.
Main Causes of Baby with Cough
Some health conditions can lead to symptoms such as cough, but even if it is a very common symptom, treatment should be carried out focusing on the cause.
Cold : Usually cold babies , have symptoms such as stuffy nose, runny nose, sneezing, lack of appetite and watery eyes. However, pictures of dry cough or even loaded with phlegm can occur.
Bronchiolitis: The bronchiolitis always starts with very similar symptoms of a cold. However, mild symptoms may begin to worsen and develop difficulty in breathing and strong wheezing.
Whooping cough : The disease is known for the very typical noise that babies and children make when they try to breathe deeply. Between coughing fits, the baby may lose strength and end up making a different sound. The whooping cough is a highly dangerous disease, especially in infants younger than 1 year of age.
Allergy conditions also trigger coughing attacks, especially allergies to animal hair and dust. It is normal to have symptoms very similar to the flu or cold that can never be cured. Allergies cause runny nose, coughing, sneezing and stuffy nose.
Asthma conditions also tend to make the baby cough a lot, especially at night. Coughing is usually accompanied by chest congestion, loud wheezing and difficulty breathing.
Another possibility for coughing is that it is caused by an environmental factor, such as cigarette smoke, pollution or some chemical agent present in the air emitted by a factory and even cars. In this case, it is necessary to identify and try to do everything to remove it, in order to end the problem.
Pneumonia: Pneumonia starts with an infection in the lungs, where it starts with a cold or the flu. If the cold only gets worse, you have a persistent cough, you have difficulty breathing, a high fever and body aches, see your pediatrician immediately. Pneumonia is dangerous and if not treated properly, it can lead to death.
Laryngitis : Cough is one of the characteristics of laryngitis, and it is very similar to a dog’s bark. It usually appears at night and makes sounds when your mouth is open. Hoarseness and fever are other symptoms of laryngitis.
Cough Treatment in Babies
Treatment for a baby with a cough is relatively simple. If done correctly it will quickly relieve and disappear symptoms as soon as possible. The most suitable treatment is the use of the saline inhaler.
The inhaler helps to open the bronchi and breathe more easily. But if you do not have a nebulizer at home, it is possible to use a basin with warm water and be left beside the sleeping baby.
The pediatrician may recommend the use of an expectorant or antiallergic syrup to relieve symptoms. Always be careful with the right dose and the given time to give. Wrap the baby up well in cold seasons and avoid exposing the baby in very closed environments, with large crowds of people, especially that makes use of air conditioning.
Some home remedies promise to help in the treatment, mainly based on honey. However, it is worth noting that Honey is not suitable for babies, due to the great risk of botulism. Take care of the homemade recipes! The ideal is always to do what the pediatrician recommends.
See Also: Immunity in Babies – How to Increase or Reinforce?
My name is Dr. Alexis Hart I am 38 years old, I am the mother of 3 beautiful children! Different ages, different phases 16 years, 12 years and 7 years. In love with motherhood since always, I found it difficult to make my dreams come true, and also some more after I was already a mother.
Since I imagined myself as a mother, in my thoughts everything seemed to be much easier and simpler than it really was, I expected to get pregnant as soon as I wished, but it wasn’t that simple. The first pregnancy was smooth, but my daughter’s birth was very troubled. Joana was born in 2002 with a weight of 2930kg and 45cm, from a very peaceful cesarean delivery but she had already been born with congenital pneumonia due to a broken bag not treated with antibiotics even before delivery.
