Introduction
Toddlers who are ill may cough a lot at night, occasionally sounding like whooping or barking. Caregivers can help them feel better by ensuring that they get enough sleep and consume plenty of clear fluids. Coughing can also be stopped by giving them a warm bath or shower before bed and elevating their heads a little as they sleep.
Why Are Coughs in Kids Considered a Natural Defense Mechanism?
Unwell children often cough. Although coughing can sound awful, it is usually not a major concern. Coughing is the body's method of protecting the chest and throat by expelling foreign objects. It functions similarly to the body's defense mechanism.
Why Does the Toddler’s Cough Get Worse at Night?
A toddler's cough may worsen at night because mucus from the sinuses and nose can run down the throat when they lie down to sleep. This leaking may irritate the throat and make them cough. It can be alarming to hear a toddler cough during the night, but usually, it is not a big deal until the coughing keeps the child up for more than a few nights.
What Do Different Coughs in Toddlers Signify?
Toddler coughs can indicate a variety of things:
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Postnasal Drip Cough: A cough usually occurs when mucus runs down the throat at night. Raising a child's bed position could be beneficial. Seeing a doctor can assist in determining the appropriate course of treatment, as allergies may also be the cause.
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Barking Cough (Croup): This cough has a bark-like sound and is usually worse at night. It is caused by vocal cords and windpipe enlargement. If humidifiers are ineffective, physicians may recommend medications such as Dexamethasone or nebulized Epinephrine.
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Whooping Cough (Pertussis): When a child coughs and tries to breathe, they make the whooping sound. While vaccinations can lower the risk, antibiotics are typically required in the event of a contract.
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Persistent or Recurrent Coughing: If this occurs in conjunction with other symptoms like tightness in the chest or shortness of breath, it may indicate asthma. Getting medical attention early on can improve management.
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Coughing With Vomiting: Coughing can occasionally cause vomiting, particularly in younger kids. It is critical to get medical attention if vomiting is severe or persists for longer than a day.
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Pneumonia: Symptoms such as fast breathing or chest pain and symptoms like vomiting and coughing may point to pneumonia. Visit the emergency department as soon as symptoms become severe.
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Coughing with Fever: COVID-19 and the flu are common infections that cause coughing and fever. Caregivers can give Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen for comfort, but it is important to see a doctor for the right dosage, particularly for younger children.
What Are Some Ways to Alleviate a Child’s Cough?
To assist their child in recovering from a cough:
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The parent should spend roughly twenty minutes in a steamy shower with their child if they have a "barky" or "croupy" cough. The child's breathing may become easier due to the steam.
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Place a cool-mist humidifier in their bedroom to improve the child's sleep quality.
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Occasionally, taking a quick walk outside in the cool air will help relieve a cough. Ensure the youngster wears appropriate clothing and is only outside for 10 to 15 minutes.
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To help the child's throat feel better and stay hydrated, offer them refreshing beverages like juice. However, avoid offering orange juice or soda since these can exacerbate a sore throat.
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Consult a doctor before giving over-the-counter cough medication to children, especially infants or toddlers.
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If the child suffers from asthma, adhere to the doctor's asthma action plan to determine which medications to take.
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While older children can use cough drops, younger children should be handled carefully as they may choke on them. Cough drops should be avoided unless authorized by a physician.
When Should a Doctor Be Contacted Regarding a Child’s Cough?
The doctor should always be contacted if the child:
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Has difficulty breathing or breathes quickly.
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Shows a dark or bluish color on their tongue, lips, or face.
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Is younger than three months old and has a high fever but no runny or congested nose.
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Has been coughing for longer than a few hours and is younger than three months old.
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Coughs and then breathes in with a "whooping" sound.
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Coughs blood.
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When inhaled, it produces a loud or melodic sound.
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Wheezes when exhaling (unless the doctor has already prescribed an asthma action plan).
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Appear weak, grumpy, or agitated.
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Exhibits symptoms of dehydration, such as lightheadedness, sleepiness, dry mouth, sunken eyes, lack of tears, or decreased frequency of urination.
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A fever and cough that last longer than five days.
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A cough that persists for more than eight weeks.
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A persistently bad cough, especially after the third week.
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Coughing that keeps one awake for longer than a few nights.
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Sweating at night and losing weight.
When Are Cough Medicines Typically Not Recommended for Children?
The majority of coughs are viral in nature and often resolve in two weeks. Since antibiotics are only effective against bacteria, they are of no use. Generally, cough medications are not required unless the child's cough prevents them from falling asleep. Though they may momentarily stop the cough, they do not address the underlying problem. If using over-the-counter cough medication, consult a doctor to ensure the dosage is appropriate and safe. For kids under six, cough medications are not advised.
Conclusion
Various factors might cause toddlers to cough during the night. Caregivers can determine the cause of the cough by listening to how it sounds and looking for additional symptoms. Home cures for toddlers include allowing them to sleep with their heads slightly lifted, getting plenty of rest and fluids, and giving them a warm bath or shower before bed. Caregivers should consult a doctor if a toddler exhibits severe symptoms, such as a cough lasting two to three weeks.
