If the cause of your child's cough is a bacterial infection in the throat or chest, your doctor may suggest antibiotics.Whether it's keeping you up at night or interrupting your day - or both - dealing with a cough is no fun. Antibiotics don't help coughing caused by a viral infectionĪntibiotics are not helpful for a cough caused by a viral infection. But, wait until your baby is at least 12 months old before giving them honey - it can make young babies sick. Honey may be helpful for a cough caused by a cold. Cough medicines are not usefulĬough medicines are not useful for treating cough. Make sure your child is not around cigarette smoke. The cough usually gets better within 3 to 4 weeks. Most children with a cough don't need treatment. When does your child cough?ĭoes your child cough with exercise? Are there any other breathing symptoms?Ĭheck the signs that show your child is struggling to breathe What about treatments for cough in children? Small children and babies sometimes vomit it up. Some questions your doctor may ask about your child's cough What is the cough like?Ĭhildren under 5 years do not usually spit or cough up phlegm. It focuses on recognising the signs of infection that can lead to bronchiectasis, and acting on them. Watch this video featuring former Warriors rugby league player Wairangi Koopu. Take your child to the doctor.Ĭheck some information about bronchiectasis It's very important to recognise this early. If your child has a wet cough lasting more than 4 weeks, they may have a more serious disease such as bronchiectasis.

Older children usually get a less severe disease but the cough and vomiting can be very distressing.Ĭheck information on whooping cough CroupĬroup may cause a harsh or barking cough.Ĭheck information on croup What if my child has a wet cough lasting more than 4 weeks? Whooping cough can cause very serious illness in babies and young children. If your child has a wet, chesty cough and a fever, it is likely to be an infection - take your child to the doctor. A wet, chesty cough and a fever can sometimes be a sign of pneumonia. call the free Quitline on 0800 778 778 or text 4006.Put smoke-free stickers up to let everyone know your home and car are smoke-free. Make sure your child's environment is smoke-free. Secondhand cigarette smoke can cause children to cough even when they are well. If your child has a cough but no other symptoms, they are unlikely to have asthma. They may also have eczema or hay fever, or a history of asthma and allergy in the family. Children who have an asthma cough also usually have other symptoms such as wheeze. AsthmaĪn asthma-related cough is usually dry and happens at night, with sport or in the early morning. Children can keep coughing for a few weeks after a cold. Young children usually have between 6 and 12 colds each year that are more common in the winter months. What are the common causes of coughing in children? Colds (upper respiratory tract infections) can sound irritated, harsh, barking, or whooping.is less likely to produce phlegm (mucus).What are the different types of cough in children? If your child has had a daily cough for longer than 4 weeks, take them to the doctor.Ī daily cough for more than 4 weeks is not normal and may be a sign of more serious disease. the cough started very suddenly and they have a skin rash - this could be an allergic reactionĬheck the signs that show your child is struggling to breathe.the cough started very suddenly - they may have choked on something.has wheezing or whistling in their chest.isn't speaking normally or can't finish a whole sentence because of their coughing or breathing.has a temperature higher than 38.5 degrees Celsius.Go to the doctor if your child has a cough and: When should I seek help for my child with a cough? Even children without a cold may cough on average 10 times a day but maybe not every day, and usually not at night. How common is coughing in children?Ĭoughing is common in children, especially in preschoolers.ġ0 to 20 in 100 preschoolers will cough for 3 weeks or more following a cold. Many children will continue coughing for about 3 weeks after a simple cold.

Persistent nocturnal cough