WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is an acute cough? An acute cough is a cough that lasts up to 3 weeks. It is usually caused by the common cold. It may also be caused by allergic rhinitis or an infection, such as a lung infection. How is an acute cough treated? An acute cough usually goes away on its own within 3 to 4 weeks. Your child may need medicine to treat allergies or decrease swelling in his airways. If your child has a bacterial infection, he may need antibiotics. Do not give cough and cold medicine to a child younger than 4 years. Talk to your healthcare provider before you give cold and cough medicine to a child older than 4 years. When should I seek immediate care? - Your child has difficulty breathing.
- Your child is breathing fast:
- More than 60 breaths in 1 minute for infants up to 2 months of age
- More than 50 breaths in 1 minute for infants 2 months to 1 year of age
- More than 40 breaths in 1 minute for a child 1 year and older
- The skin between your child's ribs or around his neck goes in with every breath.
- Your child coughs up blood, or you see blood in his mucus.
- Your child's cough gets worse, or it sounds like a barking cough.
When should I contact my child's healthcare provider? - Your child has a cough or fever that does not get better within 5 days.
- Your child is wheezing.
- You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.
|