Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCommon ColdAcute BronchitisFluRSVBronchiolitisCroupAllergiesAsthmaCystic FibrosisWhen to See a DoctorDiagnosisTreatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Common Cold
Acute Bronchitis
Flu
RSV
Bronchiolitis
Croup
Allergies
Asthma
Cystic Fibrosis
When to See a Doctor
Diagnosis
Treatment
This article explains what can cause chest congestion, other symptoms that can occur with those illnesses, and how you would normally treat congestion at home. In addition, it outlines signs that a cough or congestion may be something serious and when you should see a doctor for treatment.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
Healthy children experience about six colds per year, and colds are rarely serious.
Chest congestion can last up to two weeks for a cold. Other normal symptoms of colds include:
Colds can develop into more serious illnesses. Of those children that come down with a secondary health problem, 5% to 10% develop an ear or sinus infection.
If your child’s cold seems to be getting worse, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Signs of a secondary infection include:
What Kind of Cough Is It?Coughs are a symptom of many illnesses, but the type of cough makes a difference. Common types of toddler coughs include:Croup: A seal bark-sounding cough with astridor(high-pitched whistling sound on inhalation) associated with swelling in the upper airwayWheezing:A wheezing, whistling sound when exhaling (breathing out)Wet:Produces mucus; comes from the chest; can be forceful and may trigger the gag reflex, or cause vomitingWhooping:A deep breath that makes a “whooping” sound at the end of the coughing
What Kind of Cough Is It?
Coughs are a symptom of many illnesses, but the type of cough makes a difference. Common types of toddler coughs include:Croup: A seal bark-sounding cough with astridor(high-pitched whistling sound on inhalation) associated with swelling in the upper airwayWheezing:A wheezing, whistling sound when exhaling (breathing out)Wet:Produces mucus; comes from the chest; can be forceful and may trigger the gag reflex, or cause vomitingWhooping:A deep breath that makes a “whooping” sound at the end of the coughing
Coughs are a symptom of many illnesses, but the type of cough makes a difference. Common types of toddler coughs include:
Often called a “chest cold,” acutebronchitisis an inflammation of the bronchi (large breathing tubes in the lungs). In contrast to chronic bronchitis, acute bronchitis is short lasting. Symptoms generally develop and go away quickly, and most cases are mild.
Symptoms of acute bronchitis usually last one to two weeks. In addition to chest congestion, your child may have:
Take your toddler to a doctor if bronchitis progresses and your child has these symptoms:
What Does “Trouble Breathing” Look Like?With a cough and/or congestion, it can be hard to tell if a child is having trouble breathing. If you notice any of these signs, your child may be experiencing breathing difficulties and you should seek immediate or emergency medical care:Struggling for each breathShortness of breathTight breathing (your child can barely speak or cry)Ribs pulling in with each breath (retractions)Noisy breathing (such as wheezing)Breathing that is much faster than usualLips or face turning a blue colorNasal flaring
What Does “Trouble Breathing” Look Like?
With a cough and/or congestion, it can be hard to tell if a child is having trouble breathing. If you notice any of these signs, your child may be experiencing breathing difficulties and you should seek immediate or emergency medical care:Struggling for each breathShortness of breathTight breathing (your child can barely speak or cry)Ribs pulling in with each breath (retractions)Noisy breathing (such as wheezing)Breathing that is much faster than usualLips or face turning a blue colorNasal flaring
With a cough and/or congestion, it can be hard to tell if a child is having trouble breathing. If you notice any of these signs, your child may be experiencing breathing difficulties and you should seek immediate or emergency medical care:
Flu symptoms are more severe than cold symptoms. They include:
If you suspect your child has the flu, call the pediatrician right away—some treatments such asantiviralswork best or are only effective if given early.
RecapIt’s perfectly normal for a child to have a minor illness that includes chest congestion several times a year. Taking care of a cold can prevent the illness from turninginto bronchitis. If the cough doesn’t get better within two weeks, a fever gets worse, or new symptoms develop, see your doctor.If your child is also vomiting or has diarrhea, it’s likely that you’re looking at the flu and not a cold. Talk to your doctor about appropriate treatment that can help your child recover more quickly.
Recap
It’s perfectly normal for a child to have a minor illness that includes chest congestion several times a year. Taking care of a cold can prevent the illness from turninginto bronchitis. If the cough doesn’t get better within two weeks, a fever gets worse, or new symptoms develop, see your doctor.If your child is also vomiting or has diarrhea, it’s likely that you’re looking at the flu and not a cold. Talk to your doctor about appropriate treatment that can help your child recover more quickly.
It’s perfectly normal for a child to have a minor illness that includes chest congestion several times a year. Taking care of a cold can prevent the illness from turninginto bronchitis. If the cough doesn’t get better within two weeks, a fever gets worse, or new symptoms develop, see your doctor.
If your child is also vomiting or has diarrhea, it’s likely that you’re looking at the flu and not a cold. Talk to your doctor about appropriate treatment that can help your child recover more quickly.
Most often, RSV infection is mild, but it can be serious for children who are immunocompromised and those with disorders that put them at risk for serious RSV infections.
RSV generally causes mild, cold-like symptoms, but it can cause more severe illnesses such asbronchiolitisorpneumonia. Approximately 58,000 children younger than 5 years old in the United States are treated in the hospital for RSV infections each year.
Symptoms of RSV include:
If your child is at risk for RSV infection, your pediatrician may discuss Synagis (palivizumab) or Beyfortus (nirsevimab) with you.
Palivizumab is a shot that can help protect certain infants and children 2 years old and younger who are at high risk of serious complications from RSV.It’s typically given once a month during the RSV season.
Beyfortus (nirsevimab) is approved for the prevention of RSV in newborns and babies born during or entering their first RSV season and in children up to 24 months who are at risk for severe RSV disease during their second RSV season. Beyfortus is a shot given once before or during the RSV season.
RSV and COVID-19 in Children
Most often, bronchiolitis occurs in winter and early spring, and it generally affects children under two years old.
Bronchiolitis likely looks like a common cold at first, but then the cough (and often other symptoms) get worse over time. It’s important to see a doctor for a diagnosis, as the symptoms are similar to other conditions, especially in babies and young toddlers.
Symptoms of bronchiolitis include:
Contact your pediatrician or seek emergency care if your child:
An Overview of Bronchiolitis
Croupis an infection in children that causes swelling in the upper part of the airway in the neck.It’s usually seen in the winter.
Symptoms of croup are not universal, can change over time, and do not always occur at the same time. They usually last three to seven days and are often worse at night.
Symptoms of croup include:
Croup can become an emergency situation if breathing difficulties become severe. Call 911 if your child is experiencing any of the following:
When Should You Worry About Croup?
Allergiesare especially common in children who have a family history of allergies, but any child can develop them.
Children can have allergies to environmental triggers such as pollen, insect bites, or animals. Certain medications or foods such as peanuts or milk can also trigger allergic reactions.
A runny nose and nasal congestion from allergies can turn into chest congestion. Other symptoms of allergies in children include:
In severe cases, allergies can cause a life-threatening reaction calledanaphylaxis, which causes breathing impairment, a sudden drop in blood pressure, and possibly shock. This is a medical emergency requiring an immediate 911 call and injection of epinephrine (adrenaline), if available.
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory respiratory condition that causes airways to narrow, swell, and sometimes produce extra mucus.
The most common symptom ofasthma in childrenis a chronic cough. Asthma causes abuild up of mucus in the lungsthat results in chest congestion as well.
Children with asthma may also have a range of symptoms that include:
If your child has asthma, discuss with their healthcare provider what to do to prevent and manage asthma attacks, and call 911 during an attack if necessary.
RecapAllergies and asthma symptoms are different than a virus or bacterial infection. Something triggers an allergic reaction or asthma attack. Symptoms include nasal congestion and a build up of lung mucus, which cause chest congestion. Learning how to avoid allergens and control asthma triggers is essential for making sure chest congestion clears up and doesn’t recur.
Allergies and asthma symptoms are different than a virus or bacterial infection. Something triggers an allergic reaction or asthma attack. Symptoms include nasal congestion and a build up of lung mucus, which cause chest congestion. Learning how to avoid allergens and control asthma triggers is essential for making sure chest congestion clears up and doesn’t recur.
Cystic fibrosisis a progressive, genetic disease that causes the mucus in various organs to become thick and sticky, resulting in infections, inflammation, and problems with organ function.It can result in severe chest congestion.
Cystic fibrosis is present at birth. Newborns are routinely screened for the disease, and it’s most often diagnosed before age 2.
Symptoms of cystic fibrosis include:
Whether a cough and/or chest congestion needs medical attention depends largely on the cause of the illness, the accompanying symptoms, the age of the child, the severity of the symptoms, and the duration of the symptoms.
Generally speaking, call your child’s doctor in cases where your child has:
What Symptoms Indicate You Should Call 911?Call 911 if your child:Is having severe trouble breathing (struggling for each breath, can barely speak or cry)Has lost consciousness (passed out) and/or stopped breathingHas a bluish tint to their lips or face when not coughingYou think your child has a serious or life-threatening emergency
What Symptoms Indicate You Should Call 911?
Call 911 if your child:Is having severe trouble breathing (struggling for each breath, can barely speak or cry)Has lost consciousness (passed out) and/or stopped breathingHas a bluish tint to their lips or face when not coughingYou think your child has a serious or life-threatening emergency
Call 911 if your child:
To determine if a child has chest congestion and what’s causing their symptoms, your pediatrician may use a number of diagnostic tools.
Physical Exam
During an office or hospital visit, a healthcare provider is likely to do a physical examination. This might include:
Imaging
Imaging tests, such as a chest X-ray orCT scan, may be ordered to look at the lungs and check for congestion, foreign objects, or other areas of concern.
Lab Work
A healthcare provider may order various lab work including:
Other Tests and Procedures
A pulse oximeter (a small, painless sensor on the finger or toe) may be used to check blood oxygen levels.
Tests to measure lung capacity and airflow may be ordered, particularly if asthma is suspected.
Treatment depends on the symptoms and what is causing them. Your doctor can tailor treatment to your child’s needs.
In general, treatment for chest congestion and some of the conditions that cause it falls into two categories: medical treatment, and treatment that can begiven to your child on your own at home.
At-Home Treatment
For mild illnesses, you can manage symptoms at home and work on keeping your child comfortable while they get better.
Can Children Take Cough Medicine?
Children over age 6 can take cough and cold medicine according to the dosage guidelines, but it still isn’t recommended since the medicines aren’t very effective and may cause side effects.
Medical Treatment
If your child isn’t improving with at-home treatments, your doctor may prescribe some of the following.
Summary
See a doctor for these and other serious symptoms or if home treatments such as OTC pain relievers, rest, and fluids are not helping your child get better. If your child is younger than 2 years of age, talk with your pediatrician about RSV prevention with palivizumab.
A Word From Verywell
It’s never easy when little ones don’t feel well. Coughs and colds are a common part of the childhood experience, but they’re no fun for kids or parents, especially when they come with chest congestion.
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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Pediatrics.Children and colds.American Academy of Pediatrics.Colds and related symptoms.Shields MD, Thavagnanam S.The difficult coughing child: prolonged acute cough in children.Cough. 2013;9(1):11. doi:10.1186/1745-9974-9-11American Lung Association.Chronic bronchitis.National Library of Medicine.Acute Bronchitis.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chest cold (acute bronchitis).World Health Organization.Pocket book of hospital care for children: guidelines for the management of common childhood illnesses. 2nd edition.MedlinePlus.Blue discoloration of the skin.National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.Influenza and Children.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Flu Symptoms and Complications.Center for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms and Care of RSV.American Academy of Pediatrics.Updated guidance: use of palivizumab prophylaxis to prevent hospitalization from severe respiratory syncytial virus infection during the 2022-2023 rsv season.Food and Drug Administration.Beyfortus label.National Library of Medicine.Pediatric Bronchiolitis.Bjornson CL, Johnson DW.Croup in children.CMAJ. 2013 Oct 15;185(15):1317-23. doi:10.1503/cmaj.121645American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Children & allergies.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Childhood Asthma.Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.About Cystic Fibrosis.American Lung Association.Learn About Cough.American Academy of Pediatrics.Signs of Dehydration in Children.American Academy of Pediatrics.Fever without Fear: Information for Parents.American Academy of Pediatrics.Can I give my 5-year-old over-the-counter cough medicine?
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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