What Is a Chronic Cough?
Some coughs may be the result of a common cold and go away within a few days, but others linger for a while. If your child’s cough lasts for eight weeks or more, it is considered chronic. It isn’t just uncomfortable. It might also be a sign of a more serious condition.
If your child’s cough lasts longer than a month, your child should seek medical attention. At ENT for Children, we’ll determine what’s causing the cough so our young patients can enjoy all that childhood has to offer.
What Causes Chronic Cough?
A cough usually results from something irritating the body’s airways. A chronic cough can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Asthma
- Recurrent pneumonia
- Postnasal drainage (environmental allergies, chronic sinusitis, or chronic adenoiditis)
- Gastroesophageal/Laryngopharyngeal reflux
- Bronchitis
- Respiratory irritation due to foreign contaminants like secondhand smoke
- Congenital or acquired respiratory infections
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Habit cough
Your ENT for Children specialist will discuss the possible causes of chronic cough in your child and how best to diagnose and treat the problem.
When Should My Child See a Doctor?
If your child’s cough lasts a month or longer or interferes with their everyday routine or results in appetite loss, weight loss, night sweats or fatigue, you should make an appointment with an ENT.
Seek emergency treatment if your child has a fever higher than 103°F, has chest pain, is coughing up blood or has difficulty breathing.
How Is a Chronic Cough Diagnosed?
Our provider will take the time to get to know your child and how the cough affects their life. They’ll take a medical history and perform a head and neck exam. This process might include imaging tests and a laryngoscopy to examine your child’s larynx or voice box.
Treating Your Child’s Chronic Cough
Specific treatment will depend on the cause of your child’s cough, but our ENT will make sure your child understand the condition and how to treat it.
Diet and lifestyle changes can often be effective in treating a chronic cough. Another option is medication, such as:
- Antihistamines
- Decongestants
- Asthma drugs
- Antibiotics
- Acid blockers
- Cough suppressants
We’re Here To Help
While some coughs are just a symptom of the common cold, others are potentially signs of something more serious. At ENT for Children, we can take the uncertainty out of this process and determine what’s causing your child’s cough and how to treat it best. Contact us today to get started.
Call ENT for Children for more information or to schedule an appointment.