How to know that your childs cough needs a vist

Dr. Richard Hamat

Posted March 16, 2026 at 10:43 a.m.

One of our most frequent questions is "when should my child's cough be checked ?"

Here are a few important points:

• If your child is under 6 months old he or she MUST be checked soon in our office
• If your child has signs of indrawing {chest movements in and out on a continuous basis that are quick and easily seen with the shirt off )
• unusual breathing noises heard frequently- whistling or grunting noise breathing out may mean wheeziness caused by bronchiolitis or asthma; hoarse or struggling noise breathing in may be stridor caused by croup
• If there is fever that is difficult to bring down or new fever presenting again after a few days of the cough starting it may indicate more serious illness
• If your child feels shortness of breath or chest pain
• If your child appears dehydrated
• If your child appears weaker or more irritable than usual
• If your child has unusual color - whiteness or blueness or unusual bruising or progressive other rash with fever along with cough
• If your child has asthma and the medicines aren't helping
• If your childs cough has lingered for more than 10-14 days without improvement it should be checked

Remember:

• Cough syrups and homeopathic remedies are generally not recommended and may have unwanted or toxic side effects
• If your child has been previously diagnosed with Asthma use your childs Asthma Action Plan to begin medicines even prior to the visit. Make sure that refills of asthma medicines are always available

Many coughs have a typical pattern : appearing worse the first few days including fever followed by gradual improvement. Without the worrisome signs above most coughs are managed at home with comfort , fever control and keeping away from school or daycare to help prevent spread. If your child has any of the above worrisome signs or if you are just concerned please call for an appointment to be checked!