What Does A Wheezing Cough Mean In Toddlers?

As distressing as they may sound, a wheezing cough or coughing with a wheezing sound is a common childhood condition. Between 25-30 per cent of kids between the age of 3-6 years experience at least one episode of wheezing cough. Most of the time it does mean that your child has a serious condition. Coughing is a way of clearing the airways and in most cases, coughing and wheezing in toddlers can be treated at home with simple home remedies, in case your child has a blocked nose along with the cough, then using a vapour patch will help relieve their blocked nose and help them to breathe better.

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However, a wheezing cough may also mean that the lower airways in your child’s lungs are swollen either because of viral infections like bronchiolitis or asthma. It may even be caused by a foreign object blocking the airway. In such cases, it is best to seek your doctor’s advice.

Causes Of Wheezing Cough In Toddlers

There are many different reasons for a wheezing cough in toddlers. Some common reasons include:

• Choking: In this case, the coughing is sudden even though the child is well.
• Colds and viral infections: This is one of the most common reasons for coughing and wheezing in toddlers
• Smoke: Second-hand smoke can cause toddlers to cough and is not good for their health.
• Allergy: An allergic cough usually happens when a toddler is exposed to some substances they may be allergic to.
• Bronchiolitis: The chest gets infected and causes sore throat and cough with yellow-grey phlegm.
• Pneumonia: If a toddler has pneumonia there is a sudden onset of cough, and fast breathing accompanied by high fever. 
• Croup: A toddler suffering from croup will have a hoarse and barking cough.
• Whooping cough: This causes a severe hacking cough and breathing that sounds like a whoop.
• Hay fever: This is commonly caused by animal hair, moulds or dust mites. Besides coughing, your toddler may sneeze and have a runny nose.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease: Also known as GERD, this happens when stomach acids leak back into the oesophagus or food pipe. When small amounts of this fluid are breathed into the lungs, it causes irritation and swelling of the small airways, causing a toddler to wheeze.

How To Treat Wheezing Cough In Toddlers At Home?

A mild case of coughing and wheezing in toddlers can be treated at home. The coughing and wheezing usually clear up in a few days or a week but if the cough continues for more than a week, it’s best to see the doctor.

Here’s how you can treat wheezing cough in toddlers at home:

Use Essential Oils

Some natural essential oils like eucalyptus oil and peppermint oil are natural decongestants and also guard against respiratory problems. Eucalyptus oil soothes headaches and has antiviral and antimicrobial properties and peppermint oil is a fever-reducer that also fights tough silent colds. You can either use these oils or use vapour patches like the BabyChakra Natural Vapour Patch which contains both these essential oils in their natural form.

Avoid Smoking

Smoking near a child increases the risk of respiratory diseases in toddlers so avoid smoking in the house or anywhere near your child.

Use A Humidifier

To loosen mucus or to keep your toddler’s airways from drying it’s advisable to use a cold air humidifier in the room. Adding moisture to ease congestion and cough. It’s safer to use a cold air humidifier with distilled water than a warm air humidifier. 

Running a hot bath and making your child sit in the steamy bathroom is another good way to provide relief from cough and congestion in case you do not have a humidifier at home.

Tender Loving Care

A wheezing cough in toddlers can be frightening for your little ones while also making it difficult for them to breathe. What your child needs most at such a time is tender loving care and also staying calm. Comfort your toddler by giving them hugs and kisses and also cuddling with them and reading to them.

Keep Them Well Hydrated

Make sure you keep your toddler well hydrated by offering them small but frequent amounts of water. Give your child warm liquids like warm water, soups etc. as warm liquids help to relax the airway and loosen up the mucus in their throat.

When To See A Doctor For Wheezing Cough In Toddlers?

If your child has a severe respiratory attack it can sometimes cause them to stop breathing. You should see the doctor immediately if:

• The coughing and wheezing don’t settle in a few days or if your child is distressed.
• Your toddler’s breathing becomes irregular or rapid and is having difficulty breathing.
• Their skin becomes pale or turns blue and seems tired.
• They have a temperature over 37°C.
• They refuse to eat or drink anything.
• Your child suddenly starts coughing without any signs of being unwell. This may indicate that they are choking. 

It is not advised to give your toddler over-the-counter cough medicines without taking advice from the doctor.

Cover image source: freepik

DISCLAIMER: We have taken steps to check the accuracy of the information & practices shared above; however, it is not a replacement for a doctor’s opinion. Please check with either your doctor, or an expert, before trying any suggestion, practice, or medication mentioned here.