Baby coughs in sleep: types of cough and causes
Your baby coughs in their sleep and you are worried. That is understandable! As a parent, you naturally want your baby to sleep soundly above all else. When your baby coughs in their sleep, or perhaps keeps waking up due to coughing, you want to know what is going on. Babies can suffer from different types of coughs, and that means the causes vary as well. Snoozzz.com We would be happy to tell you more about the various types of cough in babies and their associated causes. Naturally, we also clearly indicate when it is advisable to see your GP or go to the hospital.
Types of cough in babies
If your baby coughs in their sleep, it could be several different types of cough. Babies cannot indicate themselves what is bothering them. It is therefore important to listen carefully to the cough so that you can determine what kind of cough it is. Basically, three types of cough occur in babies: croup, wheezing, and whooping cough. We would like to give you more insight into these types of cough in babies so that you can easily recognize the various variants.
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Croup cough in babies
Croup, also simply called 'croup', is known as a nighttime cough. If your baby coughs in their sleep or the coughing prevents them from sleeping, it could very well be croup. You can recognize this cough by its short, repetitive sounds, just like a dog's bark. Croup is often accompanied by other signs associated with a viral infection. Your baby feels unwell. In most cases, the symptoms disappear within a few days. If it seems to be getting worse, if your baby is having trouble breathing, or if it persists for a long time, it is advisable to visit your GP or pediatrician.
The wheezing cough in babies
A wheezing cough is actually a cough combined with wheezing. You may notice a whistling sound when inhaling between coughs. In the vast majority of cases, this indicates asthma or bronchitis. Asthma does not occur very often in children under the age of 2, but it is not impossible. Especially if asthma runs in the family, a baby may already be suffering from asthma. Additionally, there is a higher risk of asthma if the baby suffers from eczema. If there is no relevant family history or other risk factors, it is usually bronchitis, which occurs most frequently in the autumn and winter. This cough is often accompanied by cold symptoms. Do you notice that the symptoms persist for a long time or that your child is having difficulty breathing? Then always visit your GP or pediatrician.
Whooping cough in babies
Finally, among the types of cough in babies, there is whooping cough. You can recognize this cough by the 'whoop' sound heard between seizures. Additionally, there is difficulty breathing. Whooping cough is considered an immediate medical emergency. It is important to seek immediate medical help if you notice this cough in your baby. Due to the severity of the condition, babies with whooping cough usually require inpatient treatment, including supplemental oxygen. Does your baby have whooping cough? Then call 112.
Baby coughs in sleep: most common causes
There are several causes that can make your baby cough in their sleep.It is often thought that the baby must always be sick, but that is not the case. In many cases, coughing in babies is caused by a medical condition, but it can certainly be related to other factors as well. Below, we provide insight into the three main causes of coughing during sleep in babies.
1. Teething
When your baby is between 4 and 7 months old, their teeth start to come through. This happens slightly earlier for some babies than for others. Many babies express the discomfort of teething by coughing systematically. The erupting teeth can cause an excessive amount of saliva, or drooling, which makes the baby cough.If there are no symptoms of illness, including of course a fever, then in most cases there is nothing wrong and you do not need to visit a general practitioner or pediatrician.
2. Coughing due to the presence of allergies
Does your child seem to be suffering from a persistent cough? Then it is quite possible that the cough is caused by an allergy or multiple allergies. In most cases, an allergic cough sounds dry and can be caused by swelling of the throat or by spasms. Does the dry cough turn into a wheezing cough? Then contact your GP or pediatrician.
3. Coughing due to your baby's illness
Your baby coughs in their sleep and also has a runny nose and/or fever. In most cases, this is a common cold; in other situations, it is an infection. If the fever rises, the coughing worsens, shortness of breath develops, or if you are worried about your baby for any other reason, always contact your GP or pediatrician.
Always let your baby sleep on their back.
It is, of course, always important that your baby sleeps on their back. When your baby coughs in their sleep, they are often more restless. Are you afraid that this might cause your baby to roll onto their stomach? Then use a sleep wrap to ensure that your baby stays on their back while sleeping. Of course, you can order the sleep wrap from us at a great price. Would you like to know more or do you need advice? Please feel free to contact us. contact join us.
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