How do I know if my cough is serious?

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– shortness of breath.
– high or prolonged fever.
– choking.
– coughing up blood or bloody phlegm.
– weakness, fatigue.
– appetite loss.
– wheezing.
– chest pain when you’re not coughing.

If your child has a cough that lasts more than two to three weeks, schedule a visit with your physician. Coughing that lasts more than two weeks is considered chronic. It may be caused by asthma, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), reflux or other causes. An allergist is often the best specialist to determine the cause.

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Moreover, How long do I wait to see a doctor for a cough?

It is best to see a doctor for coughs that persist for longer than 3 weeks, as they may indicate something more serious. A cough occurs when the lungs or airways become irritated. The most common cause of a cough is the common cold, which does not usually require medical attention.

Secondly, When should I be concerned about my child’s cough?

Coughs caused by colds due to viruses can last weeks, especially if a child has one cold right after another. Asthma, allergies, or a chronic infection in the sinuses or airways also might cause lasting coughs. If your child still has a cough after 3 weeks, call your doctor.

Simply so, Why is my cough not going away?

Allergies and asthma are common causes of a cough. A cold can even cause an asthma attack. Some people learn they have asthma during a cold. Acid reflux and obstructive sleep apnea can also cause a chronic cough.

How long is too long for a child to have a cough?

Visit the doctor. Most last no more than a few weeks, but some people have ones that stick around long after other symptoms are gone. In a child, a cough is considered chronic if it lasts more than 4 weeks.


21 Related Question Answers Found

 

What is a persistent cough a sign of?

While it can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint the problem that’s triggering a chronic cough, the most common causes are tobacco use, postnasal drip, asthma and acid reflux. Fortunately, chronic cough typically disappears once the underlying problem is treated.

What can cause a cough to last for months?

– Postnasal drip (also called the upper airway cough syndrome).
– Asthma.
– Gastroesophageal reflux disease.
– Chronic bronchitis and bronchiectasis.
– Therapy with angiotensin-converting–enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.

How long is too long for a cough?

Most of the time, a cough is acute, or temporary. Most acute coughs last around 3 weeks or less. Sometimes, a cough may last longer than 3 weeks, becoming subacute or chronic. This can be due to a postnasal drip, the effects of an infection, or an underlying health condition.

How do you get rid of a persistent cough in a child?

– Use saline nasal drops. You can buy these over-the-counter nasal drops at a pharmacy.
– Offer fluids.
– Offer honey.
– Elevate your child’s head when sleeping.
– Add moisture with a humidifier.
– Talk a walk in cold air.
– Apply vapor rub.
– Use essential oils.

How do you stop a persistent cough in a child?

– Use saline nasal drops. You can buy these over-the-counter nasal drops at a pharmacy.
– Offer fluids.
– Offer honey.
– Elevate your child’s head when sleeping.
– Add moisture with a humidifier.
– Talk a walk in cold air.
– Apply vapor rub.
– Use essential oils.

How do you get rid of a chronic cough in a child?

Fluids: Give them plenty of drinks like water or juice to thin the mucus in their throat, making it easier for them to cough up phlegm. Cough drops: For kids over age 5, lozenges and hard candy can bring some relief to a sore throat caused by coughing. Cool air: If your child has croup, take them outside for a while.

Why is my child constantly coughing?

If your child has a cough that lasts more than two to three weeks, schedule a visit with your physician. Coughing that lasts more than two weeks is considered chronic. It may be caused by asthma, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), reflux or other causes. An allergist is often the best specialist to determine the cause.

How long should I wait before going to the doctor for a cough?

When is it time to see a doctor or nurse? A wet cough that lasts more than three weeks requires medical attention because it could indicate pneumonia or bronchitis. A dry cough doesn’t produce any mucus. Some of the most common chronic coughs, defined as lasting more than four weeks, fall into this category.

What does a persistent dry cough mean?

Summary. A dry cough is one that does not produce phlegmphlegmPhlegm (/ˈflɛm/; Ancient Greek: φλέγμᾰ, phlégma, “inflammation”, “humour caused by heat”) is mucus produced by the respiratory system, excluding that produced by the nasal passages. It often refers to respiratory mucus expelled by coughing, otherwise known as sputum.en.wikipedia.org › wiki › PhlegmPhlegm – Wikipedia or mucusmucusWhite or gray sputum: White or grayish tinged sputum can also be normal, but may be present in increased amounts with some lung diseases or precede other color changes associated with other conditions. Dark yellow/green sputum: A type of white blood cells known as neutrophils have a green color to them.www.verywellhealth.com › what-is-sputum-2249192Sputum Colors, Tests, and Conditions – Verywell Health. Dry coughs are often temporary and rarely a cause for concern. However, a chronic, dry cough may be a symptom of an underlying condition, such as asthma or GERDGERDGastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a common condition, where acid from the stomach leaks up into the oesophagus (gullet). It usually occurs as a result of the ring of muscle at the bottom of the oesophagus becoming weakened.www.nhsinform.scot › gastro-oesophageal-reflux-disease-gordGastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) – NHS inform.

When should I worry about a persistent cough?

See your doctor if your cough persists for more than three weeks or you get other symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain or coughing up blood. Likewise, if you have a long-term chest condition like asthma or COPD, you need to contact your doctor if the cough has made these symptoms worse.

How do you stop a constant cough in a child?

– Use saline nasal drops. You can buy these over-the-counter nasal drops at a pharmacy.
– Offer fluids.
– Offer honey.
– Elevate your child’s head when sleeping.
– Add moisture with a humidifier.
– Talk a walk in cold air.
– Apply vapor rub.
– Use essential oils.

What causes constant coughing in a child?

If your child has a cough that lasts more than two to three weeks, schedule a visit with your physician. Coughing that lasts more than two weeks is considered chronic. It may be caused by asthma, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), reflux or other causes. An allergist is often the best specialist to determine the cause.


Last Updated: 7 days ago – Co-authors : 12 – Users : 5

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