What causes cough and difficulty in breathing in children?

Cough and difficulty in breathing are common problems in young children. The causes range from a mild, self-limited illness to severe, life-threatening disease.

How often should a child be checked for a cough?

The child should be checked by a nurse at least every 3 h and by a doctor at least twice a day. In the absence of complications, within 2 days there should be signs of improvement (breathing slower, less indrawing of the lower chest wall, less fever, improved ability to eat and drink, better oxygen saturation).

How often does pneumonia occur in young children?

Each year an estimated 120 million episodes of pneumonia occur in children younger than 5 years of age, resulting in one million deaths globally. Within this age group the lungs are still developing by increasing alveoli numbers and airway dimensions.

When to look for long-term effects of pneumonia?

More long-term studies measuring lung function shortly after birth are needed to help disentangle the complex relationships between pneumonia and later chronic lung disease, while also addressing host responses, types of infection, and potential confounding variables.

When does a child have a chronic cough?

In children, cough is considered chronic if present for more than four weeks. In children six to 14 years of age, it is most commonly caused by asthma, protracted bacterial bronchitis, and upper airway cough syndrome. Evaluation should focus initially on these etiologies, with targeted treatment and monitoring for resolution.

What kind of cough do babies and toddlers have?

8 Types of Coughs in Children, Toddlers, and Babies 1 Barking Cough. Your child went to bed with a stuffy nose but he’s been sleeping peacefully for a few hours. 2 Phlegmy Cough. 3 Nighttime Dry Cough in Kids. 4 Miserable Cough. 5 Raspy, Wheezy Cough. 6 Whooping Cough. 7 Really Gross, Wet Cough. 8 Coronavirus Cough.

What causes a wheezing cough in a 2 year old?

The most common cause of bronchiolitis is the RSV virus, but other viruses may cause the same symptoms. Bronchiolitis is mainly seen in children 2 years old and younger and causes wheezing and difficulty breathing. Call your pediatrician if: A dry cough evolves into clicking, bubbling or rattling when your child inhales.

What causes a paroxysmal cough in a child?

A paroxysmal cough is characteristic of pertussis or certain viral pneumonias (adenovirus). Failure to thrive or weight loss can occur with TB or cystic fibrosis. Nighttime cough can indicate postnasal drip or asthma.