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KidsCare Online

Cough

Should I Call?

	Call 911 NOW (your child may need an ambulance) IF: Severe difficulty breathing (struggling for each breath, unable to speak or cry because of difficulty breathing, making grunting noises with each breath). Child has passed out with coughing spasms. Lips are bluish when not coughing.
	Call Your Doctor NOW (night or day) IF your child has any ONE of the following: Your child looks or acts very sick. Choked on a small object that could be caught in the throat. Difficulty breathing (under 1 year old) not relieved by cleaning the nose. Difficulty breathing (over 1 year ) present when not coughing. Lips have turned bluish during coughing. Age under12 weeks with fever above 100.4°F (38.0°C) rectally. Fever above 105°F (40.6°C) at any age. Severe chest pain, coughed up blood or wheezing. Action: If you are unable to reach your doctor - go to a nearby KidsCare clinic or to a local hospital Emergency Department. Use our Facility Search to find an urgent care clinic near you.
	Call Your Doctor WITHIN 24 HOURS (during regular daytime office hours) IF: You think your child needs to be seen. Continuous (nonstop) coughing. Age under 1 month old with any cough. Age 1 to 3 months with a cough for more than 3 days. Earache or sinus pain (not just congestion) is also present. Fever present for more than 3 days. Chest pain present even when not coughing.
	Call Your Doctor DURING WEEKDAY OFFICE HOURS IF: You have other questions or concerns. Coughing has kept child home from school for 3 or more days. Symptoms of nasal allergy are also present. Cough has been present over 3 weeks.
	Provide Care at Home to children for: Cough with no complications and you don't think your child needs to be seen.