Beyond the Sniffles: When to Worry About Your Child's Winter Cough

Coughs are one of the most common symptoms of upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold and flu. The average school-aged child comes down with an upper respiratory infection between 5 and 8 times per year, leading to coughing for days or even weeks. 

Although most of these infections resolve on their own with rest and over-the-counter medication, certain coughs, such as those caused by bronchitis or pneumonia, are more serious and often require professional medical attention. 

At Hubbard Pediatric Group, LLC, Holly Hubbard, MD, regularly diagnoses and treats childhood coughs. Discover common causes of winter coughs, symptoms that all parents should watch for, and when to take your child to a doctor.

Common causes of winter coughs

Winter is the prime time for coughs for several reasons. First, contagious respiratory illnesses, such as the common cold, flu, and COVID-19, are more common in winter, increasing your child's risk of infection. Additionally, the air is colder and drier this time of year, which can irritate the throat and increase the likelihood of coughing. 

If you notice your child has a cough, it doesn’t mean you need to rush to the doctor. Most of the time, coughs improve over the course of a week with rest, cough suppressants, and running a humidifier. 

Red flags that all parents should watch for

Even though most coughs are nothing to worry about, certain symptoms may indicate a more serious infection or underlying issue. Contact us immediately if your child has a cough that:

• Lasts more than two or three weeks
• Affects their ability to breathe clearly
• Occurs alongside a high fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher)
• Triggers barking or whooping sounds, which may indicate croup or pertussis
• Produces green, yellow, or bloody mucus

You should also seek professional treatment for your child’s cough if it affects their energy levels or appetite, or if it causes signs of dehydration, such as extreme thirst. These symptoms may indicate a serious infection and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider like Dr. Hubbard.

When a winter cough may be something more serious

Most winter coughs are due to acute illnesses, such as the common cold and influenza. However, they can also be caused by:

Asthma flare-ups

If your child has asthma, make sure they’re taking any medications as prescribed and avoiding all triggers as much as possible. Cold, dry air can worsen flare-ups, making winter prevention especially important.

Allergies

If allergies cause your child’s cough, they may not respond to over-the-counter medication or home remedies like running a humidifier. In this case, the best thing you can do is identify specific allergy triggers and avoid them.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a potentially severe infection that can develop if a bronchial or other infection spreads. It triggers a severe, wet cough that often occurs alongside a high fever and difficulty breathing.

Bronchiolitis

Children under 2 years and with a severe cough, difficulty breathing, and wheezing may have bronchiolitis, an infection of the smallest airways in the lungs. Like pneumonia, bronchiolitis can be severe, so prompt treatment is essential.

Contact us if you’re concerned about your child’s cough

A persistent childhood cough can be worrisome, but we can identify the cause. Contact Hubbard Pediatric Group, LLC in Loganville, Georgia, today by calling our office or using our online booking feature.