When to worry about a cough

[beckywiththeshithair21]

Dc8 has a horrible hacking cough at the minute. Otherwise he seems ok. A little lethargic and grumpy maybe and he's complained of a headache (probably due to all the coughing) but no temperature, lack of appetite, still playing and so on. He's still been going to school but this cough is fierce especially at nighttime. He's had it maybe since Monday.

I wouldn't usually worry but with so many nasty bugs and viruses about this year I'm wondering how others would handle this and when to worry? Should he see a gp or just ride it out?

Does he have asthma?

With children, your gp would always rather see them and reassure you nothing serious is wrong than miss anything. If you’re worried, nobody would judge you for getting him checked.

I would give it a week if no other symptoms. Lots of warm honey and lemon drinks rather than cold drinks.

Just reading back. Do you mean no lack of appetite or that he is lacking appetite? If the latter, I'd get him checked.

No he's eating normally. Still wanting to run around and play. He had a terrible virus before Christmas which wiped him out completely. This doesn't seem as bad as this, it's just the cough. He's not snotty or bunged up either. He doesn't have asthma. I will give it a few days and see if he picks up a bit.

There's a lot of it about at the moment. Fluids, preferably warm water, check for wheezing, wait it out.

Is he coughing up phlegm? If so, what colour?

Um, not wanting to panic you, but I've just been to the doctor with a hacking cough, and am now being treated for whooping cough. She said I was the fifth case she'd seen recently.

The doctors in my family will see their own GPs if a cough isn't clearing up after 3 weeks.