Miya Pearson
If your newborn coughs in her sleep, it could be due to several reasons. Coughing is a natural reflex that helps protect the airways in the throat and chest by clearing mucus or irritants such as dust particles. However, it's important to understand the context of your newborn's cough to determine if medical attention is required. For instance, if your baby is under 3 months old, or if the cough is accompanied by a high fever, breathing difficulties, or persistent congestion, it is recommended to seek medical advice. In some cases, a cough may indicate an underlying condition such as allergies, asthma, a cold, or a viral infection. Understanding the different types of coughs and your child's developmental stage can help you identify when to seek medical attention.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cough with congestion or fever | Natural and nothing to worry about |
| Persistent cough | Allergies |
| Other symptoms | Cold or infection |
| Cough with fever of 102°F (39°C) or higher | Pneumonia |
| Barking cough | Croup |
| Whooping sound during cough | Whooping cough or pertussis |
| Cough with fever and runny nose | Flu |
| Cough with fever | COVID-19 |
| Cough with sneezing and a runny nose | Common cold |
| Cough with fever and congestion | Sinus infection |
| Cough with fever and pain in the jaw or behind the forehead or nose | Sinus infection |
| Cough with breathing issues | Asthma |
| Cough with vomiting | Acid reflux |
| Cough with fever | Chest infection |
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What You'll Learn
- Croup: A viral infection causing a distinctive, bark-like cough
- Allergies: Post-nasal drip from allergies can trigger coughing
- Asthma: Airways are more sensitive and irritable at night
- Whooping cough: A bird-like sound between coughs, requiring emergency care
- Colds: Mucus from the nose and sinuses can drain down the throat and trigger a cough
Croup: A viral infection causing a distinctive, bark-like cough
Croup is a viral upper respiratory infection that causes swelling around the voice box, windpipe, and bronchial tubes. This results in a distinctive, bark-like cough, often compared to the sound of a seal's bark. The condition is highly contagious and primarily affects babies and young children, with children between 6 months and 3 years of age being at the highest risk.
The symptoms of croup include a barking cough, noisy or raspy breathing, a hoarse voice, and difficulty breathing. The cough is typically worse at night and can be accompanied by other signs of a viral infection, such as a runny or stuffy nose, fever, and red eyes (conjunctivitis). In severe cases, children may experience restlessness, nervousness, or retraction (sucking in the skin around the ribs and top of the breastbone). In the most serious cases, a child's skin may appear pale or have a bluish tinge around the mouth due to a lack of oxygen.
Croup is usually mild and lasts for about a week, but it can become severe and life-threatening in rare instances. Most cases can be treated at home, and the condition often clears up within three to four days. Keeping your child calm is essential, as crying can worsen the symptoms. To help your child breathe better, you can use a cool-mist humidifier or create a steam-filled bathroom by running a hot shower. Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
If your child's cough persists or seems to be getting worse, especially if they are having trouble breathing, it is important to contact your pediatrician or healthcare provider. They can advise on the best course of treatment, which may include medication or other interventions.
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Allergies: Post-nasal drip from allergies can trigger coughing
A newborn's cough can be caused by various factors, ranging from mild to severe conditions. One possible cause is allergies, which can lead to post-nasal drip and trigger coughing, especially during sleep. Post-nasal drip occurs when excess mucus drips down the back of the throat, causing a tickling sensation and a nagging cough. This can be particularly troublesome for newborns, who are still developing the ability to coordinate breathing between their nose and mouth effectively.
Post-nasal drip from allergies can be managed through various measures. One way is to reduce exposure to allergy triggers by regularly dusting, vacuuming, and covering mattresses and pillowcases with dust-mite-proof covers. Special air filters can also be used to improve air quality. Additionally, keeping your newborn well-hydrated with warm, decaffeinated tea or warm drinks can help thin the mucus and alleviate the tickle that triggers coughing. Using a cool-mist humidifier in their room can also moisten the airways, reducing the coughing caused by post-nasal drip.
In some cases, over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medication, such as Cromolyn (Nasalcrom), can be administered before the allergy season starts to prevent post-nasal drip and associated coughing. However, it is important to consult a doctor or a paediatrician before administering any medication to a newborn. They may also recommend immunotherapy or allergy shots to prevent allergy symptoms before they start.
While allergic coughing can be distressing for new parents, it is important to remember that coughing is the body's natural defence mechanism to protect itself and keep the airways clear. However, if the coughing is accompanied by other symptoms, such as congestion, a runny nose, fever, or difficulty breathing, it is essential to seek medical advice from a healthcare provider or a paediatrician.
It is always better to be cautious and seek professional advice, especially for newborns under three months of age, as they are more vulnerable to respiratory issues.
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Asthma: Airways are more sensitive and irritable at night
A newborn baby's cough can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from mild to severe. It is important to monitor your newborn's breathing and to seek medical attention if the cough is accompanied by a high fever, congestion, or signs of breathing difficulty.
One possible cause of a newborn's cough is asthma. Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the lungs and airways, causing inflammation, bronchospasms, and increased mucus production. Airways are more sensitive and irritable at night due to various factors, which can trigger asthma attacks and worsen symptoms. This condition is known as nocturnal asthma.
Nocturnal asthma affects a significant number of people with asthma, and it can have a considerable impact on their quality of life. The exact reasons for the worsening of asthma symptoms at night are not fully understood, but several factors are believed to contribute. One factor is the natural decrease in lung function during sleep. As the body relaxes, the upper airway narrows, increasing resistance in the lungs and making breathing more difficult. This can lead to coughing fits and disrupted sleep.
Additionally, certain sleeping positions can play a role in nocturnal asthma. Sleeping on the back can cause mucus to drip into the throat, triggering a cough. Sleeping on the side or stomach can also put pressure on the lungs, potentially exacerbating symptoms.
Environmental factors in the bedroom can also trigger nocturnal asthma. These include dust mites, pet dander, mould, and pollen that may have been brought in from outside. Furthermore, a cold room or air conditioning can dry out the airways, making an asthma attack more likely.
To manage nocturnal asthma, it is important to identify and minimise exposure to triggers. Biological medications and preventer inhalers can also help control symptoms and reduce sensitivity to triggers. Seeking advice from a healthcare professional is essential to develop an effective treatment plan.
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Whooping cough: A bird-like sound between coughs, requiring emergency care
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the respiratory system. It is characterised by severe coughing fits, which can sometimes end in a distinctive “whoop” or bird-like sound when the person breathes in. This sound is where the condition gets its name from.
Whooping cough is particularly dangerous for babies under one year old and can even be deadly. This is because babies may not be strong enough to make the characteristic whooping sound, and instead, may experience difficulty breathing or pauses in breathing. In some cases, babies with whooping cough may not cough at all.
The early symptoms of whooping cough are similar to those of a common cold, such as sneezing and a runny nose, and can last for 1 to 2 weeks. After this initial period, more telltale symptoms of whooping cough may appear, including rapid coughing fits lasting 20 to 30 seconds, followed by the "whoop" sound as the person struggles to breathe. Other symptoms may include vomiting, turning red or purple during coughing fits, and difficulty eating.
If you suspect your newborn may have whooping cough, seek immediate medical attention. Whooping cough often requires emergency care and inpatient treatment, including supplemental oxygen. Antibiotics are typically administered right away to fight the infection, and intravenous (IV) fluids may be given if the baby shows signs of dehydration.
To prevent whooping cough, vaccinations are highly recommended. The pertussis vaccine is part of the DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis) immunization routine, with doses given before a child's sixth birthday. Additional boosters are also recommended for teens, adults, and pregnant women to maintain protection against the disease.
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Colds: Mucus from the nose and sinuses can drain down the throat and trigger a cough
A newborn baby's cough is often a cause of concern for new parents. While a cough during the daytime can be due to irritants in the house, such as air fresheners, pets, or smoke, a cough during sleep can be indicative of a more serious health condition.
Colds are a common cause of coughing in newborns. When a baby has a cold, the mucus from the nose and sinuses can drain down the throat, triggering a cough. This is especially true at night, when the baby is lying down. The cough associated with a cold can be either wet or dry and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as congestion, a runny nose, and/or a sore throat. In addition, post-nasal drip, characterised by itchy and watery eyes, a runny nose, and an itchy throat, can also cause a wet cough.
If your newborn's cold is accompanied by a fever, it is important to monitor the severity of the fever. A mild fever may be indicative of a common cold, but a fever of 102°F (39°C) or higher could be a symptom of pneumonia, especially if the baby is weak and breathing fast. In such cases, it is imperative to seek immediate medical attention.
If your newborn's cough persists for more than three weeks, it is important to consult a doctor as it could be a sign of a more serious health condition, such as asthma or a chronic sinus infection.
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Frequently asked questions
Coughing is a natural and important reflex that helps your baby clear their airways of mucus or irritants such as dust particles. However, if your newborn is coughing in their sleep, it could be a sign of a viral upper respiratory infection, such as the flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), or COVID-19. It could also be a symptom of teething, asthma, allergies, or a common cold. If your newborn's cough is accompanied by congestion or a fever, it is best to seek medical advice.
Symptoms of a common cold include a runny nose, congestion, and a sore throat. Your newborn may also have a fever, but this is less common.
To help relieve your newborn's cough, ensure they are drinking plenty of fluids and use a humidifier in their room. You can also try elevating their head with a pillow to help with congestion. If your newborn is over one, you can give them half a teaspoon of honey and some lemon in warm water before bed.
If your newborn's cough is persistent, interferes with their sleep, or is accompanied by a fever or difficulty breathing, you should seek medical advice. If your newborn is coughing up mucus or vomiting, this could be a sign of whooping cough, which requires immediate emergency medical care.
Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection. It is characterised by a distinctive "whoop" sound between coughs and can be life-threatening, especially in young infants. Treatment for whooping cough typically involves inpatient care, including supplemental oxygen.
