Is it normal for my child to constantly cough and have a runny nose?
November 20, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Benjamin Meier
Dear Doctor,
My son Jakob, 4 years old, has been coughing and sniffling very frequently for several weeks now. It started with a slight cold, which then developed into a persistent cough. Jakob coughs mostly at night and in the morning, sometimes the cough is dry, sometimes there is also phlegm. He also often has a stuffy nose and sneezes frequently. We have already tried various home remedies, such as inhaling with chamomile or honey, but it doesn't seem to be getting better.
Jakob is otherwise a happy and active child, he eats well and enjoys playing. However, I notice that he is often tired and irritable due to the cough and sniffles. I am worried whether his immune system is weakened or if there might be a more serious illness that we have overlooked.
Can you tell me if it is normal for my child to constantly cough and sniffle? Are there possible causes for these symptoms and what treatment options are available? Should we see a doctor or are there also home remedies that we can continue to use? I would like to help my son feel better so that we as a family can sleep peacefully again.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Jakob's concerned mother
Dear Jakob Sauer,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as a pediatrician. I am sorry to hear that your son Jakob has been suffering from persistent cough and cold for several weeks. It is understandable that as a mother, you are worried about his well-being.
Cough and cold are common symptoms in children, especially in the cold months or with allergies. It is important to note that children in the first years of their lives often suffer from respiratory infections more frequently, as their immune system is not yet fully developed. In most cases, these infections are viral in nature and will resolve on their own within a few weeks.
It is good to hear that Jakob is otherwise a cheerful and active child, indicating that his overall health is not seriously compromised. However, it is understandable that the persistent cough and cold are making him tired and irritable.
The causes of Jakob's symptoms can be varied. In addition to viral respiratory infections, allergies, asthma, environmental factors such as dry air, or even a blocked nasal passage due to polyps or sinusitis can cause the symptoms.
Regarding treatment options, there are various measures you can take at home to help Jakob. In addition to the home remedies you have already mentioned such as inhaling with chamomile or honey, you can also ensure that he takes in enough fluids, gets enough sleep, and rests. Nasal sprays or drops can help clear his stuffy nose.
It is important that you see a doctor if the symptoms persist for more than two weeks, worsen, or are accompanied by a fever. A doctor can examine Jakob to determine the cause of his symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment if necessary.
I hope this information helps you and that Jakob will soon be healthy again. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Benjamin Meier
