هذا المقال للأغراض المعلوماتية فقط ولا يحل محل الاستشارة الطبية. في حالة الشك، تواصلي مع طبيب الأطفال أو القابلة.

😷

Baby Cough

Coughing is a protective reflex that clears the airways. It can sound alarming in babies but is usually harmless. Pay attention to the type of cough and accompanying symptoms.

الأسباب المحتملة

1Viral infections (common cold) — most common cause, 8-10 infections per year are normal
2Croup (barking cough, worse at night, age 6 months to 3 years)
3Bronchiolitis (RSV virus, especially serious in babies under 6 months)
4Swallowed object (sudden cough without prior illness)
5Allergies or asthma (chronic cough, often at night or during exertion)

ما يمكنكِ فعله

Increase humidity: damp cloth on radiator, brief steam from hot shower
Elevate upper body slightly (wedge pillow under mattress)
Plenty of fluids: breast milk, water, warm drinks for older babies
Saline nose drops for blocked nose
No honey under 12 months (botulism risk), no cough syrups without medical advice

متى تزورين الطبيب؟

Breathing difficulty: nasal flaring, chest retractions, bluish lips
Stridor (whistling on inhaling) — may indicate croup or foreign body
Cough with vomiting or food refusal
Baby under 3 months with cough → always get medical evaluation
Cough lasting more than 2 weeks without improvement
High fever (>39°C) together with cough

ملاحظات حسب العمر

Newborns: Any cough needs medical evaluation. Infants (3-6 months): RSV bronchiolitis is particularly dangerous. Babies (6-12 months): Croup often starts at this age. Toddlers: 8-10 colds per year with cough are developmentally normal.

الأسئلة الشائعة

How do I recognise croup?

Croup shows as a barking, harsh cough (like a seal), often at night. Along with a hoarse voice and whistling on inhaling. Cool air often helps immediately: go to an open window or briefly outside. If breathing is difficult: call emergency services.

Can I give my baby cough syrup?

Cough syrups are NOT recommended for babies under 2. They can have dangerous side effects and studies show they're no more effective than a placebo. Saline nose drops and humidification are safer and often more effective.

When should I see a doctor for a cough?

Immediately for: breathing difficulty, bluish lips, baby under 3 months. Within 24 hours for: fever above 39°C, cough with vomiting, food refusal. Scheduled for: cough over 2 weeks, night cough disrupting sleep.