Learn how to decode your baby's cough
Winter brings colds and flu, but is that all that your baby's cough signals?
Babies' coughs come in many sounds and forms, most of them alarming for a new parent. Here's what the most common ones mean, and how to help.
A phlegmy cough
A wet cough with a runny nose and watery eyes but no or low fever is most likely a common cold. Children are estimated to get up to 10 of these a year, so get used to it.
Action: Colds are caused by viruses, not bacteria, so antibiotics can't help. “But if baby's snot turns green and they spike a fever, baby may have developed a bacterial sinus infection, so see your doctor,” advises Sister Marie Hattingh, midwife and manager of Genesis Clinic in Johannesburg.
For a common cold, simply use saline nose drops to clear mucous, keep baby hydrated and let the virus run its course (one or two weeks.).
A hoarse cough
A weak, rasping cough with high fever, aches and sniffles is usually flu -- another viral illness.
Action: Treat as for a cold, and give ibruprofen to reduce fever and ease aches. Consider getting baby a flu shot next year. “Your pharmacist can advise you on this,” Hattingh says.
A barking cough
If baby sounds like a seal, it's probably croup. This viral illness inflames the larynx (voice box) and windpipe, and because babies have especially narrow airways, produces the bark. Baby may also make a whistling sound when they breathe in (stridor).
Action: Wrap baby up and take them outside where cool air may relax their airways, or run a hot tap and sit with them in the bathroom for 15 minutes as warm, moist air can help too. “Croup usually resolves itself, but it's always best to call your doctor for advice if you’re worried,” says Hattingh.
A dry night cough
If it persists for weeks and worsens at night or when baby is active, they may have asthma. This too narrows and inflames airways, and can be triggered by a cold, cold air, exercise or an allergy to anything from pollen to dust or animal dander.
Action: See your doctor. “Mild asthma can be treated by inhaling bronchodilator medication, or baby may require daily preventive medication,” says Hattingh.
A wheezy cough
A cough that starts with a cold and becomes wheezy (with a whistling sound) could be bronchilitis, an infection of the smallest airways in the lungs, which fill with mucous, making it hard to breath.
Action: Call your doctor, who may prescribe bronchiodilators, antibiotics or steroids. “Bronchiolitis can become pneumonia and baby may need hospitalisation,” cautions Hattingh.
A whoopy cough
This is likely whooping cough, an illness caused by pertussis bacteria which attack the lining of the airways, inflaming and even blocking them. It comes with a runny nose, sneezing and low-grade fever.
Action: Call your doctor -- babies under six months will need to be hospitalised, and other people at home may need to be immunised as pertussis is highly contagious. “Antibiotics can clear it up in a week but the cough may last months,” Hattingh says. Be sure baby gets all their vaccinations!
Whatever the cough, always call a doctor if…
• Baby has trouble breathing or breathes fast
• Has a high fever (or any fever if younger than three months)
• Coughs blood
Get vaccinated at one of 400 Clicks Pharmacies
A strong immune system is a vital prevention measure against viruses. Getting the flu vaccine is one of the most effective ways to boost your immunity and protect your family against infection.
Book an appointment for a flu vaccination at a Clicks Clinic by calling 0860 254 257 or follow the link to the online booking portal.
The good news is that most medical aids now cover the flu vaccination and sometimes even reward members. Contact your medical aid scheme for eligibility.
Take note that the following people cannot get vaccinated:
• Babies younger than 6 months
• Anyone allergic to eggs
• Anyone who already has a fever
• Anyone who has shown a past reaction to a vaccine
We have increased our flu vaccination footprint to over 400 Clicks pharmacies. Follow the link for the list of Clicks pharmacies.
For more info visit the Clicks flu portal or speak to your Clicks pharmacist.
IMAGE CREDIT: 123rf.com
