Diagnosis

Various things must be considered when searching for the cause and making a diagnosis. Particularly important is the observation of the situations in which the cough occurs, accompanying symptoms and type of cough. This can already give clues as to the cause, so attention should be paid to when and where the cough occurs.

For example, it may occur more frequently in situations of physical exertion, at certain times of the day or in certain places. Diagnosis of coughs generally always involves listening to the lungs with a stethoscope and examining the mouth and throat. Depending on the symptoms, the following may also be added: A smear of the nasal mucosa, collection of samples and analysis of the sputum, an X-ray of the lungs or a lung function diagnosis.

Accompanying symptoms

Frequently, other symptoms occur that can give clues to the underlying disease. Mucusy sputum, a runny nose (rhinorrhea) and fever generally indicate an infection. A doctor should be consulted, especially in the case of fever, as this may be an indication of a more serious illness.

Other warning signs for which a doctor should be consulted are shortness of breath (dyspnoea), bloody sputum (haemoptysis) and severe chest pain. Rashes can also be thought of in the direction of infection, especially many childhood diseases are accompanied by rashes, but it can also be caused by an allergy. A pediatrician should be consulted.

A frightening, but generally harmless side effect of strong coughing attacks is so-called hyposphagma. This refers to bleeding into the white conjunctiva of the eyes. Increased pressure when coughing causes small blood vessels in the eye to burst, causing these bleedings.

Normally, these disappear on their own after a few days. Bad breath is a very unspecific symptom, even if it occurs in addition to coughing. Bad breath can be an indication of a mostly bacterial infection of the respiratory tract or the mouth and throat, but more often it is caused by a lack of oral and dental hygiene.

Fever associated with coughing indicates an infection of the respiratory tract. In children, this is usually an infection of the upper airways. Normally a virus is the cause and the fever does not exceed 40°C.A viral infection cannot be treated with antibiotics, so only symptomatic treatment is possible.

A visit to a doctor can still be useful and should not be omitted in case of uncertainty. High fever of 40°C or higher is more likely to indicate bacteria as the cause of the infection. A doctor should definitely be consulted. If bacteria are the cause of the cough, treatment with antibiotics is advisable. and fever in small children