COUGHS AND KIDS

As well as asthma, a number of cough conditions might affect children.

Dr Alexandra Phelan explains: “Most coughs in children are simple viral infections requiring no treatment. If there’s a fever, paracetamol liquid (e.g. Calpol) can be used.

“Coughs associated with shortness of breath, high fevers or confusion should be seen by a GP,” she adds. “However, it’s worth bearing in mind cough medicine is not routinely recommended for young children.”

If your child’s cough sounds like any of the below, seek a GP assessment.

If they’re struggling to breathe or they lose consciousness, dial 999.

Whooping cough

Lots of children are routinely immunised against whooping cough, but if yours aren’t, it’s important to know the signs.

“Whooping cough is quite dramatic,” says Dr Phelan. “Its main characteristic is repeated coughing fits that last for a long period of time and end with a ‘whoop’ as the sufferer desperately tried to get air back into their lungs. These episodes can occasionally lead to loss of consciousness or collapse.

“Any cough that fits this pattern requires a GP assessment. If it is determined to be whooping cough, antibiotics can be used, but symptoms can still last for a prolonged period.”

Croup

“Younger children can get this condition, which is more common in the winter months. This has a characteristic barking type cough and is easily spotted by experienced parents or health professionals.

“Sometimes this needs treatment with steroid medication, but often only management of the associated fever is required.”

Bronchiolitis

“Younger children can also get this condition, and, again, it’s more common over winter. This is a widespread lung infection and can cause quite a marked cough and wheezes. Often there is a rattly cough, and it can cause shortness of breath in some children. Occasionally this can be so significant that hospital admission for oxygen is required.”

Pneumonia

“Children can get pneumonia which involves a significant infection of one part of the lung. This can cause high fever and shortness of breath. It is difficult for parents to spot this type of infection and, therefore, if symptoms are significant, children need assessment by a GP.”