With coughs and colds circulating widely, especially during the colder months, many parents worry about their children’s health. Dr Dominic Greenyer, GP and Director of The Health Suite, explains when a cough is normal — and when it’s a sign to seek medical help.
“Coughs and colds are extremely common in children. Most will have around eight viral infections a year, and for the most part, these are nothing to worry about,” says Dr Greenyer. “A cough often helps clear phlegm or mucus from the back of the throat or chest, and children who are feeding, drinking, eating, and breathing normally usually don’t need medical attention.”
Signs it’s time to see a doctor:
- Struggling to breathe
- Cough lasting more than three weeks
- Cough worsens at night
- Wheezing or breathlessness between illnesses
- Difficulty gaining weight
- Frequent chest infections requiring antibiotics
“Most coughs resolve after a couple of weeks with rest and fluids. What we want to see is a child recovering fully and having clear periods between illnesses,” Dr Greenyer explains.
“If symptoms are severe, persistent, or unusual for your child, they should never be ignored.”
Possible underlying causes include:
- Asthma
- Immune deficiencies
- Structural lung issues (rare)
- Chronic lung disease, such as cystic fibrosis (very rare)
“If your child is struggling to breathe, seek medical help immediately. A continuous cough with a high temperature should prompt an urgent GP appointment, as it may indicate an underlying infection,” Dr Greenyer adds.
Read the complete article on Express.