Sniffle Solutions

A lingering cough is likely caused by post-nasal drip, which occurs when mucus from the nose and sinuses drains down the throat. So as long as your son doesn’t have a fever and is not uncomfortable, it is OK to send him to school.

Tell your child to drink plenty of water throughout the day: It helps to keep the airways hydrated and soothes an irritated throat. This is especially important for children who attend schools with indoor heating systems. As heat is piped into the classroom, the air can become very dry. 

Continue to monitor your child’s cough for any changes. If you notice any of the red-flag symptoms below, take your child to the doctor:

• A wheezing or whistling cough. If your son makes a wheezing or whistling sound when he coughs, his lower airways may be swollen due to an infection, such as bronchitis or asthma.
  
• A cough with a high fever. Coughs with a fever of 102 F or higher may indicate pneumonia.
  
• A persistent cough. If the cough lasts longer than a week, your son may have asthma, allergies or a chronic sinus infection.