Parent Guide: Cough
Most coughs in children and adults are caused by viral infections of the respiratory tract. The respiratory tract looks like an upside down tree.
Infections of the respiratory tract are named according to the part that is affected.
Antibiotics do not help coughs caused by viruses. Occasionally a cough might be due to pneumonia. In this case antibiotics are usually given.
| Illness | Site | Age group | Cause |
| Laryngitis | Vocal cords | Older children / adults | Virus |
| Croup | Vocal cords and windpipe | Younger children | Virus |
| Bronchitis* | Breathing tubes (large) | Older children / adults | Virus |
| Bronchiolitis | Breathing tubes (small) | Infants | Virus |
| Pneumonia | Air sacs | All ages | Bacteria or virus |
Symptoms:
- Fever, cough and chest pain.
- Coughing up mucus that may be yellow or green. This does not mean it is a bacterial infection.
- Wheezing might occur in some children.
Note: With viral bronchitis, 45% of people still cough after 2 weeks. 25% of people still cough after 3 weeks.
Treatment:
- Offer plenty of fluids such as water or juice. Warm clear fluids such as soup will help relax the airways.
- Allow your child to get plenty of rest.
- Use a cool mist humidifier.
- Cough suppressants and decongestants may help older children and adults but should be used with caution in younger children. Ask your pharmacist for help in selecting the right medication.
- Cough drops may help older children and adults. Cough drops should not be given to children less than six years of age because of the risk of choking.
- For pneumonia, a chest x-ray is recommended and antibiotics are usually prescribed.
See your doctor if. . .
- Fever lasts more than 3 days
- Cough is associated with vomiting
- Your child is very ill (especially after 2-3 days) and does not want to eat or drink
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