What should I do if my baby has a severe cough at night due to a cold?
Dec 27, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, a baby's cold with severe coughing at night may be caused by dry respiratory tract, changes in body position, bronchitis, pneumonia, bronchial asthma, or other related conditions. Treatment may include general care and medication under a doctor's guidance. It is advisable to keep the indoor air circulating by regularly opening windows to maintain fresh air and reduce respiratory irritation.
Generally, a baby's cough caused by a cold may worsen at night due to reasons such as dry respiratory tracts, changes in body position, bronchitis, pneumonia, or bronchial asthma. Treatment options include general care and medication, under a doctor's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Dry Respiratory Tract
A baby's cough may worsen at night if the indoor air is too dry, causing the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract to lose moisture and trigger a cough reflex. It is recommended to increase indoor humidity using humidifiers to maintain moist air and prevent dryness of the respiratory tract.
2. Body Position Changes
When a baby lies down, secretions in the respiratory tract may accumulate in the throat or trachea due to changes in body position, stimulating the cough center and worsening the cough at night. It is recommended to slightly elevate the baby's head during sleep to reduce secretion accumulation and prevent nighttime coughing.
3. Bronchitis
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial mucosa caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or mycoplasma. This leads to increased bronchial secretions that stimulate the cough center, worsening the cough at night. Symptoms often include wheezing and shortness of breath. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium granules, children's antitussive and anti-asthmatic granules, or ambroxol hydrochloride oral solution may be used for treatment.
4. Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a lung infection caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi, leading to lung inflammation and exudation, which stimulates the cough center and causes frequent nighttime coughing. Symptoms often include high fever and chills. Patients may use medications such as cefotaxime sodium for injection, Pulike Syrup, or paracetamol suppositories as directed by a physician.
5. Bronchial Asthma
Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways involving multiple cells and cellular components. Increased vagal nerve excitability at night may easily lead to bronchial smooth muscle spasm, causing coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness. Patients may use medications such as budesonide inhalation aerosol, salbutamol aerosol, or montelukast sodium chewable tablets under a doctor's advice.
It is also important to maintain good indoor air circulation by regularly opening windows for fresh air, which helps reduce respiratory irritation. Additionally, appropriate outdoor activities can strengthen the body's immunity and improve the baby's resistance to diseases.
