'I'm a nurse - there's 5 red flags you must never ignore if a child is coughing'

21 August 2023 , 09:18

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There are five red flags that should never be ignored (stock image) (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

It can be distressing to hear a youngster coughing while they are poorly.

In a majority of case there is generally nothing to be too concerned about but, according to a nurse, they can be a sign a child needs medical attention.

Penny, a paediatric specialist who runs the site Sick Happens, said there are five red flags when a child is coughing that should never ignore.

In an Instagram post Penny uploaded to her 149,000 followers the nurse highlighted all five:

Pauses in breathing

Penny said if you witness a child starting to cough with pauses between breaths, they might be suffering from apnoeas.

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The symptom appears when a child has almost no airflow and struggles to exhale and inhale - meaning they need to see a doctor.

Changing colour

It is often normal for children to go red in the face during a coughing episode, Penny said.

But it could be dangerous if they turn pale, blue or dusky around the mouth, lips or face.

Penny said: "If you notice them becoming floppy or unresponsive during these episodes, call an ambulance."

Difficulty regaining breath

Penny said when youngsters have difficulty regaining their breath they might be suffering from an airway blockage,.

This can be serious and requires urgent medical assistance.

Noisy breathing

Penny said: "If you notice your child develops a barking cough very suddenly, it is most likely croup.

"Not all cases of croup need treatment but if they have noisy breathing at rest, or any difficulty breathing, call an ambulance."

According to the NHS, croup can be "managed at home" if mild but if symptoms continue, then a child should see a GP.

Doctors said: "This will often involve using children's paracetamol to ease any pain associated with the condition and may help lower your child's temperature if they have a fever.

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"You should also ensure your child is well hydrated by encouraging them to drink plenty of fluids."

Fever

The last key symptom to be cautious of is the combination of coughing and a fever, Penny said.

The paediatric expert urged parents to take their children to a doctor if they have a high temperature and had "a recent episode of choking and gagging".

Lorraine King