question-icon

How Can Severe Cough In A Child Be Treated?

default
Posted on Mon, 16 Apr 2018
Question: My son spent the night at my in-laws Friday night. When he came home he had a slight cough. Since then the coughing has intensified constantly to the point that I was up with him all night. i have tried everything I can think of. humidifier, cough drops, honey, sleeping sitting up. nothing seems to bring even the slightest relief. I now even hear a wheezing sound as he breathes. Our urgent care doesn't open until 130 and I hate for him to wait that long for some relief. this is my first time attempting a doctors apt via app and not sure what exactly to expect. my son is 4 years old.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Eric Goldstein (29 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Cough

Detailed Answer:
Hello. I just read through your question.

Based on your description, your son has developed either a sinus infection or a walking pneumonia. Both of these can be treated and cured. From this standpoint, it is ok to wait until 1:30 to have him seen at the urgent care, even with the wheeze. However, if you feel he is very uncomfortable, or he is struggling to breathe, it would be wise not to wait and to take him to an emergency room instead. Ambulance is not necessary, and you don't have to speed to get there. You can take him there and they will do the same for him as the urgent care center.
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Eric Goldstein

Pediatrician

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 1303 Questions

Ask me a question
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask a Pediatrician
Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
backtotop2
How Can Severe Cough In A Child Be Treated?

Brief Answer: Cough Detailed Answer: Hello. I just read through your question. Based on your description, your son has developed either a sinus infection or a walking pneumonia. Both of these can be treated and cured. From this standpoint, it is ok to wait until 1:30 to have him seen at the urgent care, even with the wheeze. However, if you feel he is very uncomfortable, or he is struggling to breathe, it would be wise not to wait and to take him to an emergency room instead. Ambulance is not necessary, and you don't have to speed to get there. You can take him there and they will do the same for him as the urgent care center.