🤧 A cough that just won't go away! Double tap if you and your kiddo have dealt with this before!
Persistent coughs in children can be puzzling, but there are some common causes to consider. 🕵️♀️
1️⃣ Back-to-Back Illnesses: It's pretty common for kids, especially those in group childcare or school, to catch one virus after another, making it seem like the cough is never-ending.
2️⃣ Asthma: A persistent dry cough, especially at night or during physical activity, could indicate asthma. If you notice wheezing or increased work of breathing, it's worth a visit to the doctor.
3️⃣ Allergies: Seasonal allergies often come with a cough due to postnasal drip, along with other symptoms like itchy eyes and sneezing. 🌸
4️⃣ Tic/Habit Cough: A repetitive, short, dry cough or throat-clearing that's more noticeable in certain situations but absent during sleep might be a tic cough.
5️⃣ GERD: In children, gastroesophageal reflux can trigger a cough due to stomach acid irritating the esophagus.
It's important to keep an eye out for any signs that warrant a visit to the pediatrician: difficulty breathing, wheezing, consistent wet cough for more than four weeks, cough interfering with normal activities, cough with blood, barking or whooping cough, chronic cough after choking, cough with weight loss, or listlessness.
If you've dealt with persistent coughs in your child, share your experiences below! And if you want more info on causes of chronic cough, check out my channel for my latest YT video!
