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Symptom Guide

Cough in Babies and Young Children

This information is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice. If your child is sick, call our office.

About coughing in children

Coughing is the body's way of clearing the airway. Most coughs in children are caused by viral colds and go away on their own in 2–3 weeks. A cough that sounds worse than it is does not always mean a more serious illness. Pay attention to how your child is breathing and acting between coughing spells.

Call 911 or go to the ER

  • Severe trouble breathing (struggling to get air in, ribs pulling in with each breath)
  • Your child passed out or stopped breathing, even briefly
  • Lips or face turning blue when not coughing
  • You suspect your child choked on or inhaled a small object

Call the doctor right now

  • Trouble breathing that is not severe but is getting worse
  • Nonstop coughing spells
  • Bluish tinge to the lips or face during coughing spells
  • Stridor — a harsh, high-pitched sound when breathing in
  • Wheezing — a whistling sound when breathing out
  • Breathing faster than normal for your child’s age
  • Signs of dehydration: no urine for 8+ hours, no tears, dry mouth
  • Fever in a baby under 12 weeks old
  • Fever above 104°F (40°C) at any age
  • Your child looks or acts very sick

Call the doctor within 24 hours

  • Any cough in a baby under 6 months old
  • Ear pain or fluid draining from the ear
  • Fever lasting more than 3 days
  • Coughing spells that cause vomiting 3 or more times
  • Sinus pain (forehead or cheek pain) along with the cough

Call during office hours

  • Cough has lasted more than 3 weeks
  • Runny nose lasting more than 14 days
  • Cough is interfering with school or sleep most nights

Home care

  • No cough or cold medicine for children under age 4 — these are not FDA-approved for young children and can cause serious side effects
  • Ages 4–6: use cough medicine only if your doctor recommends it
  • Age 6 and older: follow package directions for children’s cough medicine
  • NEVER give honey to a baby under 1 year old — risk of infant botulism
  • Age 1 and older: 2–5 mL of honey can soothe a cough as well as most OTC cough syrups
  • Use a cool-mist humidifier in your child’s bedroom at night
  • For infants: use saline nose drops and suction with a bulb syringe before feedings
  • Offer plenty of fluids — warm clear liquids (like broth or warm water with lemon) can help loosen mucus for children over 1 year
  • Keep your child away from cigarette smoke, which worsens coughing

Sources

Worried about your child’s cough? Call us.

Call 908-755-5437