FAMILY ILLNESS

Coughing( children)

For adults and children over 12, see p. 106 Coughing is a normal reaction to irritation in the throat or lungs. Most coughs are due to minor infections of the nose and / or throat, but a sudden onset of coughing may be caused by choking. Coughing is unusual in babies less than 6 months old and may indicate a serious lung infection.

! Danger signs

Dial 911 or call EMS if your child is coughing and has any of the following symptoms:

• Blue-tinged lips or tongue.

• Abnormal drowsiness.

• Inability to produce sounds.

• Inability to drink.

• Excessively rapid breathing.

START				How long has your child been coughing? Started suddenly a few minutes ago Started more than a few minutes ago	How old is your child? Under 6 months 6 months or over	ACTION CALL YOUR DOCTOR NOW Your baby may have a serious lung infection such as bronchiolitis( inflamed small airways in the lungs). • Keep your baby sitting up, if possible in a steamy bathroom.
	Is it possible that your child is choking on food or a small object? Possible	Is your child’ s breathing abnormally rapid or noisy( see p. 71)? Abnormally rapid	Does the cough have either of these characteristics? Comes in fits ending with a whoop
	Unlikely	Noisy	Is accompanied by vomiting
		Neither	Neither
	ACTION
	TRY SELF-HELP MEASURES An inhaled object may be the cause of the coughing. Follow the first-aid advice for choking( pp. 22 – 24). DIAL 911 OR CALL EMS ! if the object is not dislodged immediately.	ACTION GO TO ANOTHER CHART Breathing problems( children), p. 112	ACTION SEE YOUR DOCTOR WITHIN 24 HOURS Your child may have pertussis( whooping cough).

Home Emergency Book Vol 1 | Page 105

Coughing( children)

! Danger signs

! if the object is not dislodged immediately.