Coughing in infants can be a worrying symptom for parents, especially when it occurs during teething. Teething is a natural process that occurs when an infant’s teeth start to erupt through the gums, typically starting around six months of age. While teething can cause discomfort and irritability in babies, it’s essential to understand its relationship with coughing and how to distinguish between teething-related coughs and those that may indicate an underlying illness.
Understanding Teething
Teething is a gradual process that can take up to three years to complete, with most children having a full set of 20 primary teeth by the time they are three years old. The process begins with the lower front teeth (central incisors) and continues with the upper front teeth (central incisors), followed by the rest of the teeth. During this time, babies may exhibit various symptoms, including drooling, chewing on objects, irritability, and in some cases, coughing.
Coughing and Teething: Is There a Connection?
While teething itself does not directly cause coughing, the excessive drooling that often accompanies teething can lead to coughing. As babies drool more during teething, the saliva can trickle down the back of the throat, causing irritation and leading to a cough. Additionally, teething can make babies more prone to putting objects in their mouths, which can sometimes lead to the inhalation of small particles or saliva, triggering a cough.
However, it’s crucial for parents to differentiate between a cough caused by teething and one that may be a symptom of an underlying illness. If a baby’s cough persists, worsens over time, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite, or difficulty breathing, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider.
Distinguishing Between Teething Cough and Illness-Related Cough
To determine whether a cough is related to teething or an illness, parents should look for the following:
- Duration and Severity: A cough that lasts for more than a few days or worsens over time may indicate an illness.
- Additional Symptoms: Presence of fever, runny nose, loss of appetite, or lethargy could suggest an underlying infection.
- Respiratory Difficulty: If the baby shows signs of difficulty breathing, such as wheezing, rapid breathing, or pulling in of the chest muscles, seek medical attention immediately.
Management and Relief
For coughs believed to be related to teething, several strategies can provide relief:
- Keep the Baby Upright: After feeding, keep the baby in an upright position for about 30 minutes to reduce reflux, which can contribute to coughing.
- Offer a Pacifier: Sucking on a pacifier can help soothe the baby and reduce coughing.
- Saline Drops and Suction: For babies over three months, saline drops can help loosen mucus, and a nasal suction device can gently remove it.
- Teething Remedies: Providing teething toys or applying gentle pressure with a clean finger to the gums can help alleviate teething discomfort.
- Stay Hydrated: Ensure the baby stays hydrated, as this can help thin out mucus and make it easier to cough up.
When to Seek Medical Attention
It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to a baby’s health. If parents are concerned about their baby’s cough or if the cough is accompanied by any of the following, they should seek medical attention:
- Fever over 100.4°F (38°C) in babies under three months or over 102°F (39°C) in babies over three months.
- Signs of respiratory distress, such as difficulty breathing, fast breathing, or pulling in of the chest muscles.
- Vomiting or refusal to feed.
- Presence of blood or yellow or green mucus in the cough.
Conclusion
While coughing during teething can be a concerning symptom for parents, understanding its potential causes and how to differentiate it from coughs related to underlying illnesses is crucial. By recognizing the signs of teething-related coughs and knowing when to seek medical attention, parents can better manage their baby’s discomfort and ensure they receive the necessary care for any potential health issues. Always consult a healthcare provider if there’s any doubt about the cause of a baby’s cough or if the baby shows signs of illness.
Can teething directly cause a cough in babies?
+Teething itself does not directly cause coughing, but the excessive drooling associated with teething can lead to coughing as saliva may irritate the back of the throat.
How can I differentiate between a teething cough and a cough due to illness in my baby?
+Look for the duration and severity of the cough, and the presence of additional symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite, or difficulty breathing. If the cough lasts for more than a few days, worsens over time, or is accompanied by these symptoms, it may indicate an underlying illness.
What can I do to relieve my baby’s cough believed to be related to teething?
+Keep the baby upright after feeding, offer a pacifier, use saline drops and suction for nasal congestion, provide teething toys, and ensure the baby stays hydrated. If concerned or if the cough worsens, consult a healthcare provider.
When should I seek medical attention for my baby’s cough?
+Seek medical attention if the baby has a fever over 100.4°F (38°C) if under three months or over 102°F (39°C) if over three months, shows signs of respiratory distress, vomits, refuses to feed, or if the cough is accompanied by blood or yellow/green mucus.
