Cough, Pneumonia or Asthma? When a Child’s Cough Needs a Doctor
Coughs and colds are the most common illnesses in children, and most get better on their own in one to three weeks. In Karachi, dust, smoke and seasonal viruses keep many children coughing through winter. A few coughs, however, are pneumonia (nimonia) or asthma, and these need a doctor.
A simple cold
Runny or blocked nose, mild fever, sneezing and a cough, while the child still plays and feeds. Antibiotics do not help colds, which are caused by viruses.
What helps:
- Plenty of fluids and rest
- Saline nose drops for a blocked nose, especially before feeds in babies
- Warm fluids; for children over 1 year, a spoon of honey can soothe cough
- No smoking near children, at home or in the car
Do not give honey to babies under one year, and avoid cough syrups for young children unless a doctor prescribes them.
How to check for pneumonia: count the breathing
Count your child’s breaths for one full minute while they are calm or asleep. Watch the chest or tummy rise.
| Age | Fast breathing is |
|---|---|
| Under 2 months | 60 or more breaths per minute |
| 2 to 12 months | 50 or more breaths per minute |
| 1 to 5 years | 40 or more breaths per minute |
Fast breathing with cough and fever can be a sign of pneumonia. See a doctor the same day.
Danger signs: go to hospital now
- The skin below the ribs pulls in with each breath (chest indrawing)
- Grunting, or blue or grey lips
- Unable to drink or breastfeed
- Very sleepy, hard to wake, or having fits
Could it be asthma?
Asthma is a long-term condition of the airways. Suspect it if your child:
- Has a whistling sound (wheeze) when breathing out, more than once
- Coughs at night or early morning, or with running and play
- Gets a cough that lasts weeks after every cold
- Has eczema, allergies, or a family history of asthma
Asthma can be controlled very well with the right inhaler and spacer, used correctly. A child specialist can confirm the diagnosis and teach the technique. Avoid repeated steroid injections or syrups from unqualified practitioners; they cause side effects without controlling asthma long term.
When a cough needs a check-up
- Cough lasting more than 3 weeks
- Cough with weight loss, night sweats, or blood (rare, but needs tests)
- A sudden cough after choking on food or a small object
- Recurrent chest infections
Aksar poochay janay walay sawal (FAQs)
Bachon ka nimonia kaise pehchanein?
Count the breathing for one minute and look for chest indrawing. Fast breathing with fever and cough needs a doctor the same day.
Kya nebulizer ki aadat ho jati hai?
No. Nebulisers and inhalers deliver medicine to the lungs. Inhalers with a spacer work just as well for most children and are easier at home.
Har khansi mein antibiotic dein?
No. Most coughs are viral. Antibiotics are for bacterial infections such as some pneumonias, as decided by a doctor.
Child specialist for cough and asthma in Shah Faisal Colony
Dr Samina Habib, FCPS (Paediatrics), sees children with cough, wheeze, pneumonia and asthma at The Asthetik, Shah Faisal Colony branch, Office 1/A-59, Umar Farooq Road, near DVAGO, Block 1, close to Malir Halt and Drigh Road. Call 021-34570339 or book online.
General information only; it does not replace an examination.