Amid HMPV outbreak, should you be worried about coughing episodes in kids?

New Delhi: A child’s cough can spark major concern in any parent, and citing the current HMPV outbreak, it is a bigger cause of concern. While many coughs are harmless and part of the body’s defenses, some signify deeper issues needing attention. Understanding a cough’s origins and spotting warning signs allows for timely support. This article breaks down typical coughs in youth and highlights symptoms not to dismiss. Dr. Vittal Kumar Kesireddy, Consultant & In-Charge, Department of Paediatrics, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, spoke about whether or not the coughing episodes in kids should be worrying.

Types of Cough and What They Indicate

Coughs in kids vary dramatically by driver. Here are common categories and potential implications:

1. Dry Cough: Dry hacking recurs with viruses, allergies, or smoke but constant dry hacking may signal asthma screening.
2. Wet or Productive Cough: Wet or productive coughs generate mucus usually from bronchitis or pneumonia, indicating the body works to clear airways of irritants or pathogens.
3. Barking Cough: Barking coughs can point to croup, a viral infection causing voice box and windpipe swelling heard as raspy or wheezing breathing.
4. Whooping Cough: Whooping coughs appear in fits ending in a high “whoop” inhale because of Bordetella pertussis bacteria demanding prompt medical care. Whooping cough spreads easily.
5. Nighttime Cough: Nighttime hacking worsens bedtime possibly from postnasal drip, asthma or acid reflux so pattern and severity monitoring helps with diagnosis.
6. Persistent Cough: Persistent hacking lasting over three weeks constitutes chronic requiring exploration to rule out tuberculosis, asthma, or lingering infections.

Symptoms That Should Not Be Ignored

While many coughs fade with time, a few symptoms demand prompt medical attention.

1. Difficulty Breathing: If your child is struggling to breathe, has rapid or labored breathing, or shows signs of blue lips or nails, seek immediate medical care.
2. High Fever: A cough accompanied by a persistent fever (above 101°F) may indicate a bacterial infection, such as pneumonia, which requires antibiotic treatment.
3. Dehydration: Reduced fluid intake, dry mouth, or lack of tears when crying are signs of dehydration and need prompt attention.
4. Blood in Phlegm: Coughing up blood-streaked mucus is a serious symptom that may indicate an infection, injury, or a more severe underlying condition.
5. Stridor or Wheezing: Noisy breathing, especially a high-pitched stridor or wheezing, can be a sign of airway obstruction or asthma.
6. Persistent Cough: Any cough lasting more than three weeks, or one that worsens over time, requires evaluation to identify the root cause.
7. Chest Pain: Complaints of chest pain with coughing could indicate inflammation of the airways, lung infection, or other respiratory issues.
8. Lethargy or Unresponsiveness: If your child appears unusually drowsy, unresponsive, or shows a marked decrease in activity, consult a healthcare provider immediately.

Steps to Manage a Cough at Home

1. For milder coughs, home remedies can provide comfort.
2. Ensuring adequate hydration keeps airways moistened and irritation reduced.
3. Steam inhalation from a humidifier or inhaled steam helps loosen mucus and ease breathing.
4. A teaspoon of honey for children over a year eases throat discomfort and diminishes coughing fits.
5. Proper rest also aids recovery by allowing the body to devote energy to healing. With watchful care and these natural remedies, most coughs will resolve without serious issues arising.
6. Refrain from irritants. Keep smoke, strong scents, and allergens at a distance to not exacerbate the cough further.

When to See a Doctor

If home remedies fail to ease the cough over time, or concerning signs surface, make an appointment with the pediatrician promptly. Early diagnosis and intervention can circumvent complications while promoting wellness.

Reference Link

https://www.news9live.com/health/health-news/amid-hmpv-outbreak-should-you-be-worried-about-coughing-episodes-in-kids-2793434