When coughs don’t need antibiotics

Article at a glance:

• Most coughs are caused by a viral infection from influenza, croup, or a cold.
• The average cough lasts 18 days, but it is not uncommon for coughs to last up to 3 weeks.
• If your child has a chronic cough, it might be allergies, asthma, or reflux.

Most coughs don’t need antibiotics, but many people still ask for them.
Why? These common misconceptions might be to blame.

Myth: Antibiotics are the best way to treat a bad cough.

Fact: In healthy children, most coughs are caused by a viral infection from influenza, croup, or a cold. Antibiotics only work on bacteria and won’t help with a viral infection. It is not a good idea to use antibiotics unless they are needed. Antibiotics can weaken your immune system and cause side effects like diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Overusing antibiotics can also cause antibiotic resistance, making future infections harder to fight.

Myth: I should be worried if my child’s cough lasts more than a week.

Fact: The average cough lasts 18 days, but it is not uncommon for coughs to last up to 3 weeks. In fact, coughing is helpful because it protects the lungs from pneumonia.

Myth: Children who are coughing up grey, yellow, or green phlegm or mucous need antibiotics.

Fact: Coughing up phlegm is a normal part of the healing process, no matter if it is clear, grey, yellow, or green. It does not indicate that there is a bacterial infection or that antibiotics are needed.

When should you call your doctor about a cough?

Call your doctor if your child:

• Has a cough lasting more than 3 weeks.
• Has trouble breathing.
• Is making a wheezing or barking noise when coughing.
• Makes a harsh stridor sound when breathing or if your child’s ribs are pulling in with each breath.
• Is coughing up blood.
• Is under 6 months old.
• Is experiencing chest pain even when not coughing.

If your child has a chronic cough, it might be allergies, asthma, or reflux. Schedule an appointment with your doctor to find out the best treatment.

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