Cough

Most are due to a viral infection and are part of a cold. Keep in mind that coughing clears the lungs and protects them.

Use cough drops for children over 4 years old and warm liquids, like chicken broth for children over 1 year of age. We generally avoid the use of cough suppressants. Dry air tends to make coughs worse. Use a cool mist humidifier in your child’s bedroom to loosen a dry cough. A steamy bathroom works well. Encourage plenty of fluid intake.
Call our office immediately if:

• Breathing becomes difficult and no better after you clear the nose
  
• Your child is drooling or having difficulty in swallowing.
• Your child looks or acts very sick.
• You notice wheezing.

Call our office during regular hours if:

• Fever lasts more than 3 days.
• To make an appointment for a throat culture if your child had had a sore throat present
• for more than 24 hours.
• Nasal discharge lasts more than 10 days.
• Cough lasts more than 3 weeks.
• Your child complains of an earache or facial (sinus) pain.
• Eyes develop a yellow discharge.
• You have other questions or concerns.