Fake coughing scary inhale sound 5mo

[Superchop]

Hi my ds has been coughing frequently for a couple of weeks. I thought it was fake as he smiled after and it was a random cough here an there. I would respond saying 'poor you' etc.

However he has developed a new habit which sounds like he is gasping for air he occasionally does it when he's feeding but more often just when he's seemingly excited, or just at random. (Helpful description ... )

The combination of the two are beginning to concern me. With the air pollution/Sahara dust in London, I'm concerned it could be a reaction to this.

Today he has woken up with a runny nose streamy eyes and more coughs.
Boy who cried wolf comes to mind.
Happened to anyone else's child? Should I book an appointment with the gp?

[Goldmandra]

Yes to GP appointment in case it is asthma.

[Sunnysummer]

Why not go to the GP just to be sure?

But don't panic yet, DS used to make alarming choking noises because they interested him, often when eating... Scary at first, but ultimately just annoying (especially as it led to massive tellings-off from my family, who come from a country where baby led weaning is unknown and so they were convinced we were killing him! )

[sweetsugar123]

Maybe Asthma ? Go to you GP incase

[kinkytoes]

Mine did these exact type of noises too. Still does in the bath when we wash his hair! Alarming but we soon got used to it. If you're worried get him checked me course. But it might be nothing.

[kinkytoes]

*of course

[BertieBotts]

How could a 5 month old do a fake anything?

But yes get him checked out. It could be croup.

[Superchop]

Fake coughing is common for 5mo+ it's a social developmental thing, they make a noise get a response- repeat. They work out what their bodies are capable of doing to- little weirdos. Dr google told me.

I will make an appointment to check it out, not worth the risk of asthma. I have a feeling it might be very similar to the hair washing situation. I managed to make a video so the doctor can see as I highly doubt he will do it while we are there!

[Chocolatestain]

Definitely get him checked out to put your mind at rest, but DS used to make all sorts of funny breathing noises (panting etc,). He was ust experimenting with what he could do with his breath.

[naty1]

They definitely can fake cough at that age.
It was usually soon after a real cough but sounded a bit different. Or if someone else coughed.
(If they can say dada before then, and make a noise like hello at 10weeks then they can imitate a cough)
Mine did a choking cough soon after the whooping injections.
Phlegm from previous cough/cold?
(Also too much laughing, coughing etc can make you wheezy.)
Could the runny eyes be hayfever or is that not possible this young?