Kids and coughs are frequent combinations. Some coughs are mild while others may be a little bit more serious. These tips will help you know what to look for in your child’s cough to help you decide when to take a trip to the family doctor.

How can you tell a problem cough from a normal one? By learning to recognize the different types of coughs.

• Barking cough: A cough that sounds like a dog barking can often be caused by an inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. The inflammation can make breathing difficult. It is most common in children younger than 3 years of age because their windpipes are narrow. Often times, this is a viral infection that an antibiotic will not help cure.
• Phlegm cough: A phlegm cough is common at night, when congestion from the nose and sinuses runs down into the throat. This can cause nausea and vomiting if the phlegm reaches the stomach.
• Dry cough: A daytime dry cough may be many things, including, but certainly not limited to, asthma, allergies or it could be a cold symptom. These types of coughs tend to get worse during cold weather or when exercising. Check to see if environmental factors, such as secondhand smoke, pet hair, air fresheners or cleaning products might be the cause of your child cough.
• Cough with a fever: If your child has a cough with a moderate fever, it may be a bout with the common cold. However, it’s always best to consult a doctor, as a fever can indicate a more serious condition.
• “Whooping” cough: A cough accompanied by a “whooping” sound when your child inhales may indicate a bacterial infection. If your child shows signs of a “whooping” cough, it’s a good idea to call your doctor.
• Lingering cough: Certainly check with your doctor if your child has any type of cough that persists for three weeks or more.

Keep in mind, this is not a comprehensive list and most coughs do not fit neatly into one category. Please use your best judgment and always consult a doctor if you are concerned about your child’s cough.

If your child has any of these following symptoms, call your doctor because they may signal a serious illness:

• Coughing up blood
• Coughing with a “whooping” sound
• High fever and a cough
• Any cough in an infant (3 months old or younger) lasting more than 3 hours
• Wheezing while inhaling

In most cases, kids’ coughs will run their course and are not signs of serious illness. Even though cough drops and over-the-counter cough medicines are recommended for infants and children, there are still things you can do to help make your child more comfortable:

• Offer the right fluids: Cool water, juice, hot cocoa and herbal tea with honey can all help soothe a cough. Avoid carbonated drinks — they can be painful to a raw throat.
• Steam it up: If your child has a barking cough during the night, try turning on the shower in the bathroom for a few minutes to create a “steam room.” Sitting in the bathroom with your child for 15 to 20 minutes often helps them breathe a little easier.
• Pay attention to asthma: If your child has asthma, be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions for correct use of asthma medication.