Diagnosis
The diagnosis of a disease associated with coughing is usually relatively easy for a pediatrician. If the parents can report the exact nature, frequency and severity of the symptoms and the child presents typical symptoms, the diagnosis can usually be made as a gaze or hearing diagnosis (in the case of a barking cough, for example, the doctor knows directly that it must be a (pseudo)croup). Depending on the doctor’s suspicions, other means of diagnosis can be used in addition to the physical examination (especially the examination of the mouth and throat and the auscultation of the lungs with a stethoscope is important here). If a respiratory tract infection is suspected, a mucus sample can be taken to identify the exact pathogen. In the case of suspected foreign body aspiration or even pneumonia, an X-ray can provide information.
Coughing and sniffles in babies
Coughing in babies is often a sign of infection, whether caused by bacteria or viruses. In the case of a viral infection, the classic symptoms such as rhinitis, coughing, fatigue and fever are often present. Therefore a cold in the baby in combination with coughing does not necessarily have to have a serious cause.
It is important to observe the symptoms closely. If the cough gets worse or the runny nose gets worse, caution is advised. If the mucus that comes out of the nose changes color and becomes bloody, a doctor should always be consulted.
If the temperature rises quickly, this should also be clarified by a doctor. To counteract the sniffles in the baby, sufficient drinking and fresh air are very helpful. Nose drops, however, should be used with caution and only in consultation with a doctor.
Baby coughing and vomiting
When a baby coughs and vomits, this can have various causes. If the cough has been present for a longer period of time, the vomiting may have been triggered by this and the associated gag reflex. Care should be taken whether the vomiting occurs at the same time as certain foods. This may need to be clarified. But other causes, such as digestive problems or an infection, should also be considered.
