Child Coughing and Fast Breathing: When to Seek Urgent Care

When your child is coughing and breathing faster than usual, it's natural to feel worried and wonder if it's serious enough for urgent medical attention. What this means Fast breathing and coughing can be signs that your child's body is working harder to get enough air. While many coughs are mild, a combination with fast breathing can sometimes indicate a more significant issue that needs a doctor's immediate assessment. Recognizing the urgent signs helps you decide when to act quickly. What to observe or prepare Pay close attention to how your child is breathing. Look for signs like their chest sucking in under the ribs (retractions), their nostrils flaring with each breath, or if they are making grunting sounds. Note if their lips or skin look bluish. Also, observe if they are unusually tired, irritable, or not feeding well. Keep track of how long the fast breathing and coughing have been happening and if there are any other symptoms like fever. What not to assume Do not assume that a child's fast breathing will improve on its own, especially if they are also showing other signs of distress. It's also not advisable to rely solely on home remedies if urgent signs are present, as this could delay necessary medical care. When to seek help Seek urgent medical care immediately if your child has fast breathing along with any of these signs: * Difficulty breathing, such as chest indrawing or grunting sounds * Bluish lips or skin * Severe tiredness or lethargy * Inability to feed or drink * Persistent high fever (above 102°F or 39°C) that doesn't respond to medication. If you notice any of these serious signs, it's crucial to contact your pediatrician or go to an emergency room without delay. Parents/caregivers should seek urgent medical care if the child is acutely unwell. (Source: Global Initiative for Asthma Strategy 2021) What you can do next If you observe any of the urgent signs mentioned, call your pediatrician immediately or proceed to the nearest emergency room. Be prepared to describe your child's symptoms clearly, including when they started and any other changes you've noticed. Sources * Global Initiative for Asthma Strategy 2021 - PMC - NIH: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8865583/ * WHO — Child health: https://www.who.int/health-topics/child-health What information would be most helpful for you to have ready when speaking with a doctor about your child's symptoms?