Gina Johnson
It is not uncommon for newborns to cough in their sleep. Babies will cough quite a bit in their first several months of life as their bodies are still learning how to protect themselves. Coughing is the body's way of keeping airways clear, ridding the throat of phlegm, postnasal drip, or a lodged piece of food. However, it can be distressing for parents to witness, and it can sometimes indicate a more serious issue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Coughing in newborns | Newborns cough to keep their airways clear, get rid of throat phlegm, postnasal drip, or a lodged piece of food. |
| Reasons for coughing in sleep | Cold, allergies, asthma, congestion, runny nose, sore throat, fever, pneumonia, whooping cough, croup, sinus infection, acid reflux, enlarged adenoids, or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). |
| Treatment | Nasal saline drops, bulb aspirator, humidifier, steam from a shower, chest rub, warm drinks, cough medicine (for children over 6 with a pediatrician's approval), ibuprofen (for babies over 6 months and weighing at least 12 pounds), acetaminophen (for babies over 6 months and weighing at least 12 pounds). |
| When to see a doctor | If the cough is accompanied by a fever of 100.4°F or higher in infants under 3 months, or a fever of 101°F or higher in babies between 6 months and 3 years, or if the cough lasts for more than 10 days without improving, or if there are signs of breathing difficulty. |
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What You'll Learn
Babies can cough in their sleep due to a cold
Colds are caused by viruses, and there are over 200 different cold viruses. Infants less than 6 months old are still building up their immune systems to fight off these infections. A runny nose does not always mean infection, however. In winter, a baby's nose creates more mucus to keep itself moist and clear of particles. In spring, a runny nose can be a sign of allergies.
If your baby is coughing due to a cold, there are several ways to help them. Keep their nasal passages as clear as possible, as congestion and postnasal drip will worsen the cough, especially during sleep. Use nasal saline drops and a bulb aspirator to suction a runny nose, especially before feeds so your baby can breathe more easily while eating. A cool-mist humidifier in your baby's bedroom will also help moisten airways to reduce coughing caused by postnasal drip. Give your baby lots of liquids such as water or juice, and warm, decaffeinated tea may also help ease the tickle that sets off the cough.
If your baby's cough and stuffy nose persist for more than 10 days without improving, see your doctor. Your baby could have acid reflux, allergies, asthma, or even enlarged adenoids, which inhibit breathing. If your baby is coughing terribly in the winter, it could be respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a dangerous viral infection for infants, or whooping cough, and you should seek immediate medical advice.
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Asthma can cause coughing at night
Newborns and babies can often cough in their sleep, and there can be many reasons for this. One possible cause is asthma, which can lead to coughing at night.
Asthma is a condition that affects the bronchial tubes, causing them to become swollen and inflamed. This swelling leads to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. The breathing tubes also become reactive, causing them to squeeze and tighten, making the lungs more susceptible to allergens or irritants. These allergens and irritants can include pollen, pet dander, strong scents or fragrances, stress, exercise, and cold air.
Nocturnal asthma, or nighttime asthma, is a common occurrence, with about 75% of people with asthma experiencing nighttime symptoms at least once a week. The mechanisms behind asthma symptoms worsening at night are not fully understood, but they may be related to hormonal changes in the evening. For example, epinephrine levels, which help keep the muscles in the walls of the bronchi relaxed, are lowest at about 4:00 a.m., while histamine levels, which cause mucus secretion and bronchospasm, tend to peak at the same time. This decrease in epinephrine and increase in histamine levels can trigger nocturnal asthma.
Additionally, lying in a reclining position during sleep may also contribute to nighttime asthma. Factors such as the accumulation of secretions in the airways, increased blood volume in the lungs, decreased lung volumes, and increased airway resistance can play a role. Exposure to allergens in the bedroom, such as dust mites, pest droppings, animal dander, mould, and pollen, can also trigger nocturnal asthma, even if exposure occurred earlier in the day. Certain foods, medications, and cold air in the bedroom can also act as triggers.
It is important to note that newborns and young infants are more vulnerable to the effects of coughing and respiratory issues. If your baby is under 3 months old and coughing, or if the cough is accompanied by a high fever or breathing difficulties, seek medical advice immediately.
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Allergies can be a cause of coughing during sleep
Newborns and young babies tend to cough for a variety of reasons, and it is often a cause for concern for new parents. While coughing during sleep can be harmless, it could also be a sign of an underlying condition. One of the causes of coughing during sleep in newborns and young children is allergies.
Allergies can be a significant cause of coughing during sleep in newborns and young children. Allergies can cause post-nasal drip, leading to an accumulation of mucus that drips down the back of the throat and irritates the airways. This irritation can trigger a cough as the body tries to clear the mucus and irritants. Allergies can also lead to inflammation in the immune system, further exacerbating the coughing. Pollen, dust, and pet dander are common allergens that can trigger coughing in newborns and young children.
In addition to allergies, other common causes of coughing during sleep include asthma, colds, and respiratory infections. Asthma, in particular, can cause dry coughs that worsen during physical activity or at night due to increased airway sensitivity. It is important to note that newborns and young children with asthma may also experience coughing triggered by allergies or illness.
To manage coughing during sleep caused by allergies, it is essential to address the underlying allergy triggers. This may involve removing allergens from the child's environment, such as strong odors, dust, or pet dander. Using air purifiers and allergen-proof mattress and pillow covers can also help reduce allergen exposure. Ensuring proper drainage by elevating the child's head during sleep and providing plenty of fluids can also help manage congestion and post-nasal drip associated with allergies.
If your newborn or young child is experiencing persistent coughing during sleep, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional. They can help determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment options, such as allergy or asthma medication, to manage the coughing and ensure the child's comfort and well-being.
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Whooping cough can cause coughing fits that last 20-30 seconds
Newborns can cough in their sleep for a variety of reasons. Coughing is the body's way of protecting itself by clearing the airways, getting rid of throat phlegm, or dislodging a piece of food. However, a newborn's cough could be indicative of a more serious issue.
Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection that can cause severe coughing fits lasting 20 to 30 seconds, followed by a "whoop" sound as the person struggles to breathe. Young babies are especially susceptible to catching whooping cough as they do not start receiving the DTaP vaccine until they are 2 months old. The infection is spread through respiratory droplets and can be transmitted by coughing, sneezing, or touching contaminated surfaces.
Whooping cough can be life-threatening, especially for newborns, who are at an increased risk of developing complications such as pneumonia, convulsions, brain damage, or even death. If a newborn exhibits any signs of whooping cough, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Antibiotics are typically administered to treat the infection and prevent its spread to others.
To reduce the risk of whooping cough, vaccination is essential. Pregnant women should receive the whooping cough vaccine, ideally between 20 to 32 weeks of pregnancy, to protect their baby during the first few weeks of life. Newborns can then begin receiving the DTaP vaccine from 2 months of age, with additional doses given until they are 4 to 6 years old. An extra dose of protection is offered at 11 or 12 years through the TdaP vaccine.
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Croup is a common cause of nighttime coughing
Croup is a common respiratory illness that affects babies and young children, usually under five years of age. It is caused by a virus that makes the tissues of the windpipe and voice box swell, causing a characteristic barking cough and high-pitched, squeaky breathing. Croup is often preceded by a normal cold or sniffle earlier in the day, and symptoms can include a stuffy or runny nose and a low fever.
The swelling of the airways in croup can make breathing difficult, and children may need to breathe very fast or experience retractions, where the skin between the ribs pulls in during breathing. In severe cases, a child with croup may appear pale or have a bluish colour around their mouth due to a lack of oxygen. Symptoms of croup are typically worse at night and when a child is upset or crying, and the illness usually lasts for about three to four days.
If your child has croup, it is important to keep them calm, as crying can worsen the condition. You can help ease their symptoms by having them breathe in cool, moist air, either outside or in a steam-filled bathroom, or by using a cool-mist humidifier. Running a hot shower to create steam can also be effective. It is also important to ensure your child is drinking plenty of liquids to prevent dehydration and to give them lots of rest.
In terms of medication, antibiotics are not effective for treating croup, as it is a viral illness. However, steroid treatments can be used to reduce swelling in the airways, and medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen (for children older than six months) can help with fever or throat discomfort. If your child's croup does not clear up within a few days, or if they are experiencing severe symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns can cough in their sleep due to a variety of reasons, such as a cold, allergies, asthma, or even acid reflux. Coughing is the body's way of protecting itself by keeping the airways clear and getting rid of phlegm or post-nasal drip. If your newborn is coughing in their sleep, it is important to monitor them and consult a doctor if the coughing persists or is accompanied by other symptoms.
There are several things you can do to help relieve your newborn's cough. Ensure your newborn is well-hydrated by offering them plenty of fluids. You can also use a humidifier in their room to add moisture to the air and help with congestion. Additionally, try to elevate the head of their bed to aid in drainage and make it easier for them to breathe.
If your newborn's cough persists for more than a few days or is accompanied by other symptoms such as a fever, difficulty breathing, or signs of breathing difficulty, you should seek medical advice immediately. In the case of a high fever or breathing difficulties, call your doctor right away.
