“Wheezing Cough in Infants and Adults: Causes and Treatment - Healthline” plus 1 more

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Wheezing Cough in Infants and Adults: Causes and Treatment - Healthline Posted: 28 Oct 2019 12:00 AM PDT A wheezing cough is typically triggered by a viral infection, asthma, allergies, and in some cases, more severe medical complications. Even though a wheezing cough can affect people of all ages, it can be particularly alarming when it happens to an infant. That's why it's important to learn the causes, symptoms, and treatments for a wheezing cough in both adults and babies. A wheezing cough in adults can be caused by a wide range of ailments. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, some of the more common causes include the following conditions. Viral or bacterial infections Viral or bacterial infections like bronchitis that produce an ongoing cough with mucus, shortness of breath, chest pain, or a low fever can lead to a wheezing cough. Also, the common cold, which is a viral infection, can cause wheezing if it settles in the chest. Pneumonia, which can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, causes inflammation in the air sacs in your lungs. This makes it difficult to breathe, and symptoms can include a wheezing or phlegmy cough, along with fever, sweating or chills, chest pain, and fatigue. Asthma Asthma symptoms can cause the lining of your airways to swell and narrow, and the muscles in your airways to tighten. The airways then get filled with mucus, which makes it even harder for air to get into your lungs. These conditions can bring on an asthma flare-up or attack. Symptoms include: coughing wheezing, both when breathing and coughing shortness of breath tightness in the chest fatigue COPD Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, often referred to as COPD, is an umbrella term for several progressive lung diseases. The most common are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Many people with COPD have both conditions. Emphysema is a lung condition that occurs most often in people who smoke. It slowly weakens and destroys the air sacs in your lungs. This makes it harder for the sacs to absorb oxygen, As a result, less oxygen is able to get into the bloodstream. Symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and extreme fatigue. Chronic bronchitis is caused by damage to the bronchial tubes, in particular the hair-like fibers called cilia. Without cilia, it can be hard to cough up mucus, which causes more coughing. This irritates the tubes and causes them to swell. This can make it hard to breath, and can also result in a wheezing cough. GERD With gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), stomach acid backs up into your esophagus. It's also called acid regurgitation or acid reflux. GERD affects about 20 percent of people in the United States. Symptoms include heartburn, chest pain, wheezing, and shortness of breath. If not treated, the irritation from these symptoms can lead to a chronic cough. Allergies Allergies to pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, or certain foods can result in a wheezing cough. While rare, some people may experience anaphylaxis, which is a serious, life threatening medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Reactions occur almost immediately after being exposed to an allergen with symptoms that include: wheezing and trouble breathing a swollen tongue or throat rash hives chest tightness nausea vomiting If you think you're having an anaphylactic reaction, call 911 immediately. Heart disease Some types of heart disease can cause fluid to build up in the lungs. This, in turn, may lead to persistent coughing and wheezing with white or pink, blood-tinged mucus. As with adults, there are a wide range of ailments and conditions that can cause a baby to have a wheezing cough. Some of the more common causes of a wheezing cough in babies include the following conditions. Respiratory syncytial virus infection (RSV) RSV is a very common virus that can affect people of all ages. It's more common in children and infants. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most children will get RSV before they are 2 years old. In most instances, infants will experience mild cold-like symptoms, including a wheezing cough. But some cases may worsen and cause more severe illnesses like bronchiolitis or pneumonia. Premature babies, as well as babies with weakened immune systems or heart or lung conditions, are at a higher risk of developing complications. Bronchiolitis Bronchiolitis, which is a common lung infection in young infants, can happen when the bronchioles (small air passages in the lungs) are inflamed or full of mucus, making it difficult for a baby to breathe. When this occurs, your infant may experience a wheezing cough. Most cases of bronchiolitis are caused by RSV. Common cold or croup A wheezing cough can happen when infants have a viral infection such as a cold or croup. A stuffed or runny nose may be your first clue that your baby has caught a cold. Their nasal discharge may be clear at first and then become thicker and yellowish green after a few days. Other symptoms besides coughing and a stuffy nose include: fever fussiness sneezing difficulty nursing Croup can be caused by several types of viruses. Many come from the common cold or RSV. The symptoms of croup are similar to those for a cold, but also include a barking cough and hoarseness. Whooping cough Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is a respiratory infection caused by a type of bacteria. Although it can affect people of all ages, it can be especially serious for infants and young children. At first, the symptoms are similar to those of a cold and include a runny nose, fever, and cough. Within a couple of weeks, a dry, persistent cough may develop that makes breathing very difficult. Although children often make a "whoop" sound when they try to take a breath after coughing, this sound is less common in infants. Other symptoms of whooping cough in children and babies include: Allergies Allergies to dust mites, cigarette smoke, pet dander, pollen, insect stings, mold, or foods such as milk and milk products can cause a baby to have a wheezing cough. While rare, some babies may experience anaphylaxis, which is a serious, life threatening medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Reactions occur almost immediately after being exposed to an allergen and are similar to the symptoms for an adult, such as: trouble breathing a swollen tongue or throat rash or hives wheezing vomiting If you think your baby is having an anaphylactic reaction, call 911 immediately. Asthma While most doctors like to wait to diagnose asthma until a baby is a year old, an infant can experience asthma-like symptoms such as a wheezing cough. Sometimes, a doctor may prescribe asthma medication before the baby is a year old to see if the symptoms respond to the asthma treatment. Choking If a young child or baby starts to cough suddenly, with or without wheezing, and doesn't have a cold or any other type of illness, immediately check to make sure they aren't choking. Small objects can easily get stuck in a child's throat, which can cause them to cough or wheeze. Choking requires immediate medical attention. It's critically important that you seek immediate medical care if you, your child, or baby has a wheezing cough and: difficulty breathing breathing becomes rapid or irregular rattling in the chest bluish skin tint chest tightness extreme fatigue a sustained temperature of above 101°F (38.3°C) for infants younger than 3 months, or above 103°F (39.4°C) for anyone else the wheezing cough begins after taking medication, getting stung by an insect, or eating certain foods If your baby is unwell and has a wheezing cough, make sure you follow up with their pediatrician. Because infants can't verbalize their symptoms and how they're feeling, it's always best for your baby to be examined by a pediatrician to get a diagnosis and the right treatment. There are several home remedies you can try to help manage the symptoms of a wheezing cough if it's not too severe. But before you proceed, make sure your doctor has given you the thumbs up to treat your wheezing cough at home. These home remedies aren't meant to replace medical treatment, but they may be helpful to use with medications or treatments your doctor has prescribed. Steam When you inhale moist air or steam, you may notice that it's easier to breathe. This may also help reduce the severity of your cough. There are several ways to use steam for a wheezing cough. You can: Take a hot shower with the door closed and the fan off. Fill a bowl with hot water, put a towel over your head, and lean over the bowl so you can inhale the moist air. Sit in the bathroom while the shower is running. This is the best way to use steam for an infant. Humidifier A humidifier works by releasing steam or water vapor into the air to increase humidity. Breathing air that's got more moisture in it can help loosen mucus and relieve congestion. Using a humidifier is appropriate for both adults and babies. Consider running a small humidifier at night while you or your child are sleeping. Drink warm liquids Hot tea, warm water with a teaspoon of honey, or other warm liquids can help loosen mucus and relax the airway. Hot tea isn't appropriate for infants. Breathing exercises For adults with bronchial asthma, deep breathing exercises, similar to those done in yoga, may be especially helpful. A 2009 study found that people with bronchial asthma, who did breathing exercises for 20 minutes twice daily for 12 weeks, had fewer symptoms and better lung function than those who didn't do the breathing exercises. Avoid allergens If you know that your wheezing cough is brought on by an allergic reaction to something in the environment, take steps to reduce or avoid contact with whatever may trigger your allergy. Some of the most common environmental allergens include pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, insect stings, and latex. Common food allergens include milk, wheat, eggs, nuts, fish and shellfish, and soybeans. You may also want to avoid cigarette smoke since it can make a wheezing cough worse. Other remedies Try some honey. For adults or children over 1 year of age, a teaspoon of honey may be more effective at soothing a cough than some cough medications. Don't give honey to a child younger than a year old due to the risk of botulism. Consider an over-the-counter cough medication. It's important not to use these medications in children under 6 years old, as they can cause dangerous side effects. Suck on cough drops or hard candy. Lemon, honey, or menthol-flavored cough drops may help soothe irritated airways. Avoid giving these to young children, as they're a choking hazard. A wheezing cough is often a symptom of a mild illness or manageable medical condition. However, it's important to pay attention to the severity, duration, and other symptoms that accompany the cough, especially with babies and young children. If you or your child or infant has a wheezing cough accompanied by breathing that's rapid, irregular or labored, a high fever, bluish skin, or chest tightness, be sure to get immediate medical care. Also seek immediate attention if you think the wheezing cough may be due to anaphylaxis, which is a serious, life threatening condition. In this situation, reactions occur very quickly after being exposed to an allergen. Besides wheezing or coughing, other symptoms include trouble breathing, a rash or hives, a swollen tongue or throat, chest tightness, nausea, or vomiting.

Types of coughs: Causes and how to treat them - Medical News Today Posted: 13 Feb 2020 11:54 AM PST Most people experience a cough at some point in their life. Some coughs can be irritating, making it difficult to talk on the phone or go to work, whereas others can be painful and frightening. The way a cough sounds and feels can help with identifying the cause, as well as the potential treatments. There are many ways to classify coughs. The simplest way to determine what is causing them and the best treatment is to pay attention to how they sound and how they affect the body. In this article, we identify the different types of coughs, what causes them, how to treat them, and when to see a doctor. Dry coughs commonly follow on from respiratory illnesses, such as colds and the flu. These coughs develop when there is little or no mucus in the throat. A person may feel a tickling sensation in their throat and be unable to stop coughing. In most cases, the cough goes away on its own. However, there are other causes that people can investigate if a cough becomes chronic: Asthma: Other symptoms include a tight sensation of the chest, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): This is when stomach acid travels up towards the throat, which can trigger a cough. Lung cancer: A cough that is related to lung cancer may coincide with blood in the mucus. It is rare that a cough is due to lung cancer, but if a person is concerned, they should see a doctor. Treatment A person can ease the tickling sensation of a dry cough by drinking water, taking a cough drop, or using cough syrup. People might describe a wet cough as a chesty cough. This cough occurs when a person coughs up mucus or phlegm. Wet coughs are typically due to an infection, such as the flu, the common cold, or a chest infection. A person with a chest infection may cough up phlegm that contains small amounts of bright red blood. This blood comes from the lungs and is typically nothing to worry about. If a person finds themselves coughing up blood that is dark and contains food, or what resembles coffee grounds, they should seek medical help. Some wet coughs can be chronic and may be due to: Bronchiectasis: A condition resulting from mucus pools in small pouches in the lungs that the body is unable to clear. Pneumonia: This is when a bacterial infection causes the tissue on the lungs to become inflamed. Nontuberculous mycobacteria infection: This is noncontagious and can be accompanied by tiredness, feeling unwell, and weight loss. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): This is a type of lung disease where common symptoms may include shortness of breath and wheezing. Treatment Staying hydrated can help a wet cough stay productive and ease the symptoms of a cold. Some people also find relief from over-the-counter (OTC) cough remedies, such as cough drops, chest rubs, and pain relievers. If a bacterial infection is causing the cough, a person may need antibiotics. Pertussis, better known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial infection. Newborns and people who have not had a vaccination may develop this illness. A person with whooping cough typically has mild cold or flu-like symptoms, followed by an aggressive and painful cough. People with weak immune systems, such as babies, may struggle to fight the infection or have trouble breathing. Those with this infection are most likely to pass it on for roughly 2 weeks from when they begin coughing. The best protection against the illness is a whooping cough vaccination. Treatment Taking antibiotics early can decrease the severity of whooping cough, so an unvaccinated person should see a doctor as soon as possible if symptoms develop. A person may cough if they have a partially blocked airway, and the body tries to get rid of the object. Likewise, a person who eats something large or something that irritates their throat may cough. It is advisable to call a doctor if coughing persists after a choking episode. A person who is choking severely will not make a sound when they cough. Someone who stops coughing and is having trouble breathing may be choking. A person with them should perform the Heimlich maneuver and call 911. Learn what to do when someone has food stuck in their throat here. A chronic cough is a cough that lasts longer than a typical illness, usually 8 weeks or more. These coughs sometimes signal an underlying disease. A person should see a doctor for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Some potential causes of a long-term cough include: an untreated infection or a respiratory virus that lasts longer than usual allergies smoking exposure to irritants such as mold or dust at home or work pneumonia or another lung disease throat or oral cancer swallowing disorders caused by other conditions, including dementia Although children can develop the same coughs as adults, some children develop a cough that sounds like a seal barking. A barking, painful cough usually means a child has croup. The flu or a cold virus typically causes croup, which is common among children younger than 5 years old. A caregiver should seek emergency help if the child: has trouble breathing is turning blue has severe chest pain develops a fever above 104°F develops a wheezing cough The symptoms of croup are often worse at night, and treatment at home includes: using a humidifier drinking plenty of warm fluids getting plenty of rest taking OTC medication, such as acetaminophen A caregiver should not give a child aspirin due to its connection to Reye's syndrome. Children under 14 years old should not take OTC cough medication, as they can be harmful. Croup usually lasts for 5–6 days, but the cough can continue for around 2 weeks. Coughs are a common symptom, especially during cold, flu, and allergy season. Most coughs are not serious, but some can be. Seeing a doctor is advisable if: a person with a cough cannot breathe or catch their breath a chronic cough lasts several weeks a person with a chronic illness, such as COPD, does not get relief with their usual cough treatment a person coughs up blood Seek prompt emergency care if: a cough gets worse over several days a newborn baby develops a cough and shows signs of respiratory distress Signs of respiratory distress include: breathing very hard gagging turning blue using the muscles of the ribs to breathe Coughing can be scary and may trigger fears of choking, but if a person can cough, they are passing at least some air through their respiratory tract. In most cases, a cough will clear on its own, although chronic coughs and coughs in young children and unwell seniors warrant prompt treatment. If a cough sounds bad, it is very painful, or does not go away, people should see a doctor or other healthcare provider.

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