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Coughs, Age 11 and Younger

Overview

Coughing is the body's way of removing foreign material or mucus from the lungs and upper airway passages or of reacting to an irritated airway.

Coughs have certain traits you can learn to recognize. A cough is only a symptom, not a disease. Often, you can't tell how serious the problem is until you also look at your child's other symptoms.

Productive coughs

A productive cough produces phlegm or mucus (sputum). The mucus may have drained down the back of the throat from the nose or sinuses. Or it may have come up from the lungs. In most cases, you shouldn't suppress a productive cough. The cough clears mucus from the lungs. There are many causes of a productive cough, such as:

  • Viral illnesses. It's normal to have a productive cough with the common cold. Coughing is often triggered by mucus that drains down the back of the throat.
  • Infections. An infection of the lungs or upper airway passages can cause a cough. A productive cough may be a symptom of pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis, or tuberculosis.
  • Chronic lung disease. A productive cough could be a sign that a lung disease is getting worse or that your child has an infection.
  • Stomach acid backing up into the esophagus. This type of coughing may be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It may awaken your child from sleep.
  • Nasal discharge (post-nasal drip) draining down the back of the throat. This can cause a productive cough or make your child feel the need to clear their throat often. Experts disagree about whether the post-nasal drip or the viral illness that caused it is causing the cough.

Non-productive coughs

A non-productive cough is dry. It doesn't produce sputum. A dry, hacking cough may occur toward the end of a cold or after exposure to an irritant, such as dust or smoke. There are many causes of a non-productive cough. They include:

  • Viral illnesses. After a common cold, a dry cough may last several weeks longer than other symptoms. It often gets worse at night.
  • Bronchospasm. A non-productive cough, particularly at night, may mean spasms in the bronchial tubes caused by irritation.
  • Allergies. Frequent sneezing is also a common symptom of allergic rhinitis.
  • Exposure to dust, fumes, and chemicals.
  • Asthma. A chronic dry cough may be a sign of mild asthma. Other symptoms may include wheezing, shortness of breath, or a feeling of tightness in the chest.
  • Blockage of the airway by an inhaled object, such as food or a pill.

Coughs that affect children

Children may have coughs from diseases or causes that usually don't affect adults, such as:

  • Croup.
  • Infection of the lower respiratory system (such as bronchiolitis or respiratory syncytial virus [RSV]).
  • Blockage of the airway by an inhaled object, such as food, a piece of a balloon, or a small toy.
  • Exposure to second-hand smoke from parents or caregivers who smoke.
  • Emotional or psychological problems. A dry, non-productive "psychogenic cough" is seen more often in children than in adults.

Antibiotic use

Many coughs are caused by a viral illness. Antibiotics aren't used to treat viral illnesses. They don't change the course of viral infections. Using an antibiotic when it's not needed exposes your child to the risks of an allergic reaction and antibiotic side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, and yeast infections. Antibiotics also may kill helpful bacteria and encourage the growth of dangerous antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Information about Coughs, Age 11 and Younger

Current as of: September 27, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

Information about Coughs, Age 11 and Younger

Current as of: September 27, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.