What should you know about a barking cough in a teenager?

A teenager may develop this sound when the throat or voice box is inflamed after a common cold or acute bronchitis. Allergic rhinitis can cause drainage and throat irritation; asthma may add wheeze or chest tightness; acid reflux may be worse after meals or when lying down. A cough that continues, returns, or brings up repeated mucus needs a clinician to consider chronic cough or bronchiectasis. Ask about vaping, smoking, sports triggers, new medicines, and exposure to dust or fumes because these details can change the assessment.

Encourage fluids, rest, voice breaks, and avoidance of vaping, smoke, aerosols, and strong fragrances. A teenager should follow any existing asthma action plan and use prescribed medicine only as directed. Do not share inhalers or take leftover antibiotics. Note the cough's timing, sound, triggers, sleep impact, fever, mucus, and breathlessness. A recording can help if the sound is absent at the appointment.

Get emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, confusion, fainting, inability to speak normally, or rapidly worsening noisy breathing. Seek prompt care after choking, for coughing blood, chest pain, marked drowsiness, or worsening fever and weakness. Arrange a medical review when the cough keeps disturbing sleep, limits exercise, or is not improving.

Could asthma, reflux, allergy, infection, or an inhaled irritant be contributing? Should exercise or vaping be avoided while symptoms continue? Does the cough need lung testing? Which warning signs mean emergency care?