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<\/p>\nIF your youngster has fallen sick, it can be distressing to hear them coughing. <\/p>\n
Thankfully, these noises are generally nothing to worry about – but they can be a sign a child needs medical attention, according to a nurse. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Paediatric specialist Penny, who runs the site Sick Happens, said there are five red flags in particular that parents should never ignore. <\/p>\n
In an Instagram post, the nurse highlighted the following:<\/p>\n
Firstly, if you witness your kid starting to cough with pauses between breaths, they might be suffering from apnoeas, Penny said. <\/p>\n
The symptom appears when your child has almost no airflow and struggles to exhale and inhale – meaning they need to see a doctor. <\/p>\n
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It is also common in adults, who can suffer from pauses in breathing while sleeping – which can be dangerous.<\/p>\n
It is often normal for children to go red in the face during a coughing episode, according to Penny. <\/p>\n
But it could be dangerous if they turn pale, blue or dusky around the mouth, lips or face.<\/p>\n
"If you notice them becoming floppy or unresponsive during these episodes, call an ambulance," Penny said.<\/p>\n
<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Another serious symptom to be on the lookout for, Penny said, is when youngsters have difficulty regaining their breath.<\/p>\n If this happens, they might be suffering from an airway blockage, which can be serious and requires assistance. <\/p>\n If a child suffers a "sudden onset", it could be a sign of a common illness. <\/p>\n The nurse said: "If you notice your child develops a barking cough very suddenly, it is most likely croup. <\/p>\n "Not all cases of croup need treatment but if they have noisy breathing at rest, or any difficulty breathing, call an ambulance."<\/p>\n According to the NHS, the condition can be "managed at home" if the croup is mild.<\/p>\n But if symptoms continue, they should see a GP.<\/p>\n Doctors said: "This\u00a0will often\u00a0involve using children's\u00a0paracetamol\u00a0to ease any pain associated with the condition and may help lower your child's temperature if they have a fever.<\/p>\n "You should also ensure your child is well hydrated by encouraging them to drink plenty of fluids."<\/p>\n The last key symptom to be cautious of is the combination of coughing and a fever, Penny said. <\/p>\n The paediatric expert urged parents to take their children to a doctor if they have had "a recent episode of choking and gagging" alongside a high temperature. <\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/crop-23491739.jpg\")
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