Teething is a common developmental stage for infants, typically beginning between 4 and 7 months and continuing until around 3 years old. While a cough might not seem directly related, it can sometimes be observed during this period. This article clarifies the potential connection between teething and coughing.
Why Teething Might Lead to a Cough
Increased saliva production, or drooling, is common during teething. This excess saliva can accumulate in the back of a baby’s throat. The baby may swallow incorrectly or the saliva might irritate the throat, leading to a mild cough as a reflex to clear the airway.
Pooling saliva can also trigger a gentle gag reflex, which may sound like a cough. Teething irritation can also lead to a slight increase in nasal mucus. This mucus, combined with drooling, can contribute to a minor cough as the baby attempts to clear these fluids.
Recognizing Other Causes of a Cough
While teething can contribute to a mild cough, a cough is more frequently a sign of an underlying illness. The common cold, a viral infection, often presents with a runny nose, sneezing, a mild fever, and a cough that can last up to two weeks.
Bronchiolitis, a lower respiratory tract infection common in infants, involves a more severe cough, wheezing, and rapid breathing, often preceded by cold-like symptoms and a slight fever. Croup, a viral infection, is characterized by a barking cough, hoarseness, and noisy breathing, especially at night.
Allergies can cause a persistent cough, often accompanied by sneezing or a runny nose, but without a fever. Asthma, while less common in infants under two, can manifest as a chronic cough and wheezing, sometimes worsening with physical activity. Acid reflux can lead to a wet cough, frequently occurring after feedings and potentially accompanied by spitting up.
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
Contact a healthcare provider if a baby’s cough is accompanied by warning signs that may indicate a more serious condition.
A high fever, especially in infants under three months with a temperature over 100.4°F (38°C), requires immediate medical attention. Difficulty breathing, including rapid breathing, labored breathing, or wheezing, are also concerning.
A cough accompanied by vomiting, refusal to feed, or signs of dehydration, such as no urine for over eight hours, should prompt a doctor’s visit.
Seek medical advice if the cough is persistent, worsens significantly, or if the baby exhibits lethargy, unusual irritability, or any significant change in behavior. Any cough in an infant under three months old should be evaluated by a pediatrician.