The term teething cough refers to the occasional cough that some babies experience when teething. While teething cough can cause anxiety in some parents, it's usually caused by harmless drainage of excess saliva down the back of a baby's throat. . However, since some babies are especially prone to viral infections such as colds during teething, parents should monitor their coughing babies for additional symptoms of illness and should see a doctor if they are unsure. the cause of the cough.
When teeth begin to emerge, a process that usually begins between six and seven months, most babies' mouths produce an increased amount of saliva. While much of this excess saliva escapes as drool, some drips down the back of the baby's throat. As a result of this dripping of saliva, some babies may develop a teething cough or an occasional, spontaneous cough that acts to clear the throat.
While it's common for new parents to be concerned when they hear their baby cough, in most cases a teething cough is natural and harmless. However, it should be noted that a normal teething cough usually only occurs a few times a day. Also, it's usually a somewhat "wet" cough that doesn't have a barking or lifting noise.
Many babies are especially susceptible to viral illnesses like colds and respiratory infections during teething, possibly because they tend to chew on foreign objects to ease the pain of teething. Therefore, parents should monitor babies' coughs to ensure that they do not show symptoms of illness. These symptoms may include a runny nose, sneezing, a fever that exceeds 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38.33 degrees Celsius), and excessive irritability. Parents should also listen for a cough that is especially deep or has a barking or wheezing quality.
The presence of any of these symptoms may indicate that the baby's cough is due to illness rather than teething. Viral infections can range in severity from the common cold to much more dangerous conditions like pneumonia. Those who suspect that a baby's cough may not be a harmless cough should see a pediatrician immediately, making sure to inform him of all the baby's symptoms. While the chances that the baby has developed a serious infection may not be high, it is best to be careful when seeking the opinion of a medical professional.