Cough checklist for your child

Gannett News Service

Kids' coughs are signals that something's wrong. Whether it's minor or major, Dr. Miriam Bar-on, a professor of pediatrics at Loyola University School of Medicine, tells you what to look for in the November issue of Parenting magazine.

When your child's cough:

• Sounds like a barking dog, it could be croup.
• Is among other symptoms such as high fever and aching muscles, it is probably the flu.
• Persists and occurs with flu-like symptoms, watch out. It could be pneumonia. Call your doctor.
• Follows a cold, sounds wet and includes sour breath and mucus, it may be sinusitis. See the doctor.
• Is spasmodic and sounds high-pitched, it could be whooping cough. Call the doctor.
• Sounds wheezy, could be asthma. See your doctor.
• Comes with a runny nose, sore throat or low fever, it's more than likely a cold.

If a doctor is not called immediately, depending on the severity of the cough. Bar-on recommends fluids and rest and consulting your doctor if symptoms worsen or persist.