The runny nose is gone. Their appetite is back. They’re playing, going to school and pretty much acting like themselves again.
So why are they still coughing?
It’s a question a lot of parents have after a cold. The good news is that a cough can hang around longer than the other symptoms. But when you’re still hearing it days or even weeks later, it’s understandable to wonder when “give it more time” becomes “maybe we should get this checked.”
There isn’t one answer for every cough. What matters is how long it has been going on, whether it’s getting better or worse, and how your child is doing overall.
Why can a cough last after the cold is gone?
A cough is one of the ways the body clears mucus and other irritants from the airways. It can also be one of the last cold symptoms to go.
Even after your child seems to be feeling better, a cough may linger for two to three weeks.
What should you watch for?
You don’t need to analyze every cough. Instead, take a step back and look at the bigger picture.
Is your child breathing comfortably? Are they eating, drinking and acting normally? Is the cough slowly improving?
Pay attention to changes, too. A cough that starts getting worse instead of better, a fever that returns after your child seemed to improve, or new symptoms may be reasons to check in with your child’s FHCSL healthcare provider.
Guidance can be different for infants and children with certain medical conditions. If you’re unsure what’s appropriate for your child, reach out to our team.
What can you do while you wait for a cough to clear?
If the cough is gradually easing and your child otherwise seems well, there may not be much to do beyond keeping them comfortable and watching how their symptoms change.
Encourage plenty of fluids and give them time to rest and recover.
Be careful with over-the-counter cough and cold medicines, particularly for young children. These medicines are not appropriate for every age. Always follow the age restrictions and dosing instructions on the product label, and talk with your child’s healthcare provider or pharmacist if you’re unsure whether a medicine is appropriate for your child.
And remember, recovery doesn’t always happen all at once. Your child may have their appetite, personality and usual activity level back before that last lingering cough finally disappears.
When should you call your child’s FHCSL provider?
Contact us if the cough is getting worse instead of better, a fever returns after your child seemed to improve, or the cough lasts more than three weeks.
It’s also worth checking in if the cough is interfering with sleep or school, new symptoms develop, or you’re concerned about how your child is doing.
When does a cough need urgent attention?
Pay close attention to any changes in the way your child is breathing.
Call 911 if your child is gasping or working very hard to breathe, struggling to speak or cry because of their breathing, or their lips or face look blue.
If the skin between or around your child’s ribs is pulling in with each breath, or you notice wheezing, harsh or unusual breathing sounds, or breathing much faster than normal, seek medical care right away.
Still wondering about that cough?
Sometimes a lingering cough really is the last stubborn piece of a cold. Other times, the way it’s changing, how long it has lasted or other symptoms are a reason to take a closer look.
If you’re concerned about your child’s cough or other symptoms, the Prairie Pediatrics team is here to help. Call 712-255-8901 to schedule an appointment. You can also contact your child’s FHCSL provider with questions or concerns.