Acute Cough in Children
What is an Acute Cough?
An acute cough is a cough that starts suddenly and lasts less than 3 weeks. It’s usually caused by a viral upper respiratory tract infection (like a cold or flu) and resolves on its own without the need for antibiotics or medical intervention.
Coughing is a normal protective reflex that helps clear the airways of mucus, germs, or irritants. Although it can sound alarming, most acute coughs in children are not serious and are part of the body’s natural defence system.
Common Causes of Acute Cough
- Viral infections (e.g. colds, flu, RSV)
- Croup – often causes a barking, seal-like cough
- Bronchiolitis – more common in infants
- Allergies or hay fever
- Inhaled irritants like smoke or dust
- Post-nasal drip from a runny nose
- Inhaled foreign body (especially in toddlers)
What to Expect
- Sudden onset, often following a cold
- Cough may be dry or chesty
- May worsen at night due to mucus draining down the throat
- Typically improves within 1–2 weeks
How to Help Your Child at Home
- Keep your child well hydrated – offer water, warm fluids or clear broth
- Use a cool-mist humidifier to keep air moist
- Elevate the head slightly during sleep to reduce post-nasal drip
- Encourage rest
- Use honey (for children over 1 year) to soothe the throat
- Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke and strong perfumes
- Over-the-counter cough medicines are not usually recommended, especially in young children
When to See a Doctor
While most acute coughs are not a cause for concern, you should seek medical advice if your child has:
- A cough lasting longer than 3 weeks
- Difficulty breathing or fast breathing
- Wheezing or noisy breathing (e.g. stridor)
- A high fever (especially in babies)
- Coughing up blood or green/yellow mucus
- Vomiting due to severe coughing
- Persistent chest pain
- A history of choking or sudden onset of coughing
- Poor feeding or signs of dehydration
- Lethargy or unusual tiredness
Diagnosing the Cause of a Cough
The doctor will take a full history, examine your child, and may perform or recommend tests such as:
- Listening to the lungs with a stethoscope
- Chest X-ray (only if needed)
- Nasal or throat swabs
- Oxygen saturation measurement
- Referral to a respiratory specialist if symptoms persist
What Not to Worry About
- It’s normal for preschoolers to have up to 6–10 viral infections per year
- Coughs from colds often linger for 2–3 weeks
- Most do not require antibiotics
Key Takeaway
Coughs are common in children and usually not a sign of anything serious. Simple supportive care at home is often all that’s needed. However, trust your instincts – if you’re worried, or your child’s symptoms worsen or persist, speak to a healthcare professional.
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