There can be multiple causes for your baby's cough. Described here are some of the common causes with their probable symptoms. If the baby has runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, reduced appetite along with mild fever, it can be common cold. If the child has the symptoms similar to common cold and also show worsening cough and labored breathing, it can be a case of respiratory syncytial virus. If the baby has a deep cough that sounds like a bark and it worsens at night, it can be a case of croup. If the baby has a runny nose, wheezing, and labored breathing, it may be a case of allergy or asthma. If the baby has symptoms of common cold that does not show any improvement over a long time, it can also be a case of pneumonia. If the baby has runny nose for more than 10-15 days with consistent cough, it may be a case of sinusitis. If the baby has cough for more than a week but does not show any associated symptoms like runny nose or fever, it may be a case of aspiration (a condition where any foreign object gets into the baby's respiratory system by swallowing or inhaling). If the baby has repeated fits of cough for 20-30 seconds and shows difficulty in breathing, it can a case of whopping cough (although it is less common due to the advent of vaccines, it still cannot be ruled out altogether). If the baby has constant cough along with a discharge of thick yellow or green mucus, it can be a case of inherited disease called cystic fibrosis.
With so many different potential causes for cough in a baby, it is advisable to consult a pediatrician to ascertain the exact cause of cough before proceeding with any treatment. Meanwhile, here are some home remedies you can try to relieve your baby's cough. Give your baby warm baths by adding a few drops of eucalyptus, sage, or thyme oil into the bath water. The vapors from these oils will help loosen the congestion in the respiratory system. You may also give your baby a herbal rub. Take a mixture of olive oil and essential oils (eucalyptus, sage, rosemary) and rub it on the baby's chest and back. Its advisable to wrap the baby in a soft towel afterwards and let the body heat build up so that the oil gets vaporized, thereby helping the baby to breath easily.
answered by M W