Every parent is going to feel a level of concern when their baby is coughing, but when does that concern rise to a level of needing a doctor’s visit? Avera pediatric hospitalist Jessica Top, MD explains what parents need to be on the lookout for when it comes to the coughs and sniffles of respiratory season.
What is RSV?
RSV is a type of respiratory virus that can cause infections of the lungs and respiratory tract. It’s a serious issue that can become dangerous pneumonia or bronchitis in the very young and very old. The virus causes the body to create a lot of mucus which then makes it very hard for these very small babies to breathe.
How is it spread and prevented?
Similar to some other respiratory infections, a cough or sneeze can easily spread RSV. And while you’re typically contagious for three to eight days, some people, especially those with weakened immune systems, can be contagious for as long as four weeks—even after they stop showing symptoms.
RSV can be prevented through vaccination for high-risk groups, including pregnant women to protect their infants and older adults. Other preventive measures include practicing good hygiene like frequent hand washing and covering coughs, limiting close contact with sick individuals, and cleaning high-touch surfaces.
What should parents be on the lookout for and when should they see a doctor?
- Wheezing: A high-pitched whistling sound when breathing out.
- Crackles: A crackling or "Rice Krispies" sound in the lungs that a doctor can hear with a stethoscope.
- Gurgling: A gurgling sound in the throat caused by fluid in the lungs
- Cough: A wet, forceful and persistent cough from mucus buildup. It can also sound "barky" in some cases.
- Rapid and labored breathing: If you can see your baby inhale and struggle with every breath, it’s time to go to the doctor.
What is whooping cough?
Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. It is characterized by severe coughing fits that can last for weeks or months and often end with a "whooping" sound as the person gasps for air, although not everyone makes this sound. Pertussis is most dangerous for infants and can be fatal, but vaccination is highly effective and recommended for all ages.
The biggest concern with whooping cough is the risk of severe complications and death, particularly for infants. While older children and adults may experience issues like broken ribs or pneumonia, babies are at highest risk for serious outcomes, including seizures, brain damage and respiratory failure, because their smaller bodies can't handle the coughing fits. The disease is especially dangerous for infants under 12 months old.
How is it spread and prevented?
Like most respiratory viruses, pertussis is spread through aerosol droplets that are dispersed through coughing or sneezing and allowing those droplets to live on surfaces. Washing surfaces and covering your cough is a good place to start. The second way to prevent the virus from spreading is through vaccination. The pertussis vaccine is the most effective way to prevent the illness.
- Vaccination is recommended for infants, children, preteens, teens, and adults.
- Boosters are necessary for teenagers and adults because immunity fades over time.
- It is especially important for pregnant people to get the Tdap vaccine to pass antibodies to the newborn.
What should parents be on the lookout for and when should they see a doctor?
What it looks like:
- Early stage: Runny nose, sneezing, and a mild cough.
- Later stage: Violent and uncontrollable coughing fits. The person may have a hard time breathing and may even vomit from the coughing.
- Infants: In severe cases, infants may struggle to breathe, have pauses in breathing (apnea), or turn blue or gray around the mouth.
- General appearance: A person might look exhausted due to the persistent coughing, especially at night.
What it sounds like:
- Early stage: A typical cough, similar to a common cold.
- Later stage: The sound that gives the disease its name: a high-pitched "whoop" as the person inhales after a severe coughing fit.
- Other sounds: Vomiting sounds can be heard during or after coughing spells.
It should not be lost on parents just how effective suctioning a baby’s nose can be to help babies thrive. Both these viruses create a lot of mucus and clearing airways allow babies to not only breathe easier, but feed easier which helps them stay strong and fight off the infection.
Learn more about pediatric services at Avera Health
