Question
My baby is now 4 months old and has been coughing frequently over the past few days, but there are no symptoms of a cold. When picked up from the crib, he coughs a few times. Doctor, what could be causing the cough?
Answer
There are two main reasons why a baby might cough. One is due to respiratory infections caused by bacteria or viruses, which usually require medication targeted at the bacteria or virus. The other possibility is allergic coughs, such as asthma or cough variant asthma. Antibiotic treatment is typically ineffective and bronchodilators are needed for effectiveness. It is recommended to undergo a pulmonary function test to determine the specific cause of the cough so that effective treatment can be administered.