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How to Get to the Root of Your Child's Sneezing and Coughing
Sometimes it seems like coughing, runny noses, and sneezing are an essential part of being a kid. Viral respiratory infections can spread like wildfire through day care centers and elementary schools, but generally kids get over things quickly and they’re slowed down only for a short time.
Allergies and asthma can cause similar symptoms, though problems usually pass with the season or when asthma triggers settle down. When these things don’t happen, or when coughing and sneezing episodes follow each other closely, sitting and waiting for the condition to pass may not be the best route.
Dr 2 Kids, Smita Tandon MD is your destination in Fountain Valley, California, when your child develops chronic symptoms of respiratory infections, allergies, or uncontrolled asthma. Dr. Tandon can diagnose and treat the condition from which your child suffers.
How to get to the root of your child’s sneezing and coughing
Sometimes, it’s not easy to distinguish between conditions due to symptoms like runny noses, coughs, and sneezing. Instead, secondary symptoms might be crucial, since these can suggest which malady is active when considered in combination with the shared symptoms.
Fever
For example, allergies and asthma won’t cause fevers. Therefore, if your child has a fever alongside respiratory symptoms, don’t reach for antihistamines or an inhaler. Itchiness, on the other hand, points you in the direction of allergies.
Runny nose
A runny nose on its own isn’t an identifier, but if you consider the color and consistency of the nasal discharge, you may have the clue you need. Mucus that’s thick and green or yellow points to respiratory infection, while thinner, clear discharge is more in line with allergies and asthma, except in the early stages of a cold.
Coughing
A dry cough usually stems from allergies or toward the end of a respiratory infection like cold or flu. This is a cough that’s often described as hacking.
Wet coughs signify that the body is clearing mucus. This is common with respiratory infections and it’s usually combined with thick, discolored mucus.
Asthma coughs often have a characteristic wheezing sound. When your younger child’s cough sounds like a seal barking, it’s likely an upper respiratory infection called croup.
Timing
Colds and flu tend to last for about 10 to 14 days. If symptoms haven’t improved significantly into the second week of illness, it’s time to seek medical attention.
Seasonal patterns to symptoms suggest pollen allergies, usually in the spring and fall. Allergies may also have a sudden onset of symptoms to nonpollen triggers like dust, mold, or pet dander. Colds need a few days after exposure for symptoms to ramp up.
When to visit a pediatrician
Call on us when coughing or sneezing causes conditions like:
- Breathing difficulties
- Rapid breathing
- Fevers above 104 degrees
- Fevers that last more than 48 to 72 hours
- Dehydration, demonstrated by reduced urination and lack of energy
- Symptoms lasting longer than 14 days
Should your child show a bluish cast to their fingernails or lips, seek emergency care immediately. This is a sign of low blood oxygen levels, a potentially deadly condition.
Contact Dr 2 Kids, Smita Tandon MD anytime that your child’s coughing and sneezing has you concerned. Call or click to book an appointment at your earliest convenience.
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