Coughs are one of the most frequent symptoms of childhood illness, and although they can sound awful at times, they usually are not a symptom of anything dangerous. Actually, coughing is a healthy reflex that helps clear the airways in the throat and chest.

Occasionally, though, coughs can be cause for a visit to your child's doctor. If you learn to recognize certain types of coughs, you will know how to handle them and when you should seek medical help.

Types of Coughs and What They Mean

"Barking" Cough

These coughs are usually caused by croup, an inflammation of the larynx (voice box) and trachea (windpipe) brought on by allergies, change in temperature at night, or most commonly a viral upper respiratory infection. Children younger than 3 years of age have croup most often because their windpipes are narrow - some children have it practically every time they have a respiratory illness.

"Whooping" Cough

The "whooping" sound actually occurs after the cough, when the child tries to take in a deep breath after a round of several coughs in a row.

If your child makes a "whooping" noise (which actually sounds like "hoop") after severe bouts of rapid coughing, it is most likely a symptom of pertussis (whooping cough) - particularly if your child has not received her diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis (DTaP) vaccinations.

Cough With Wheezing

When coughing is accompanied by a wheezing sound as your child exhales, it is a sign that something may be partially blocking the lower airway. This might be caused by swelling from a respiratory infection (such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia), asthma, or an object stuck in her airway. If the cough and wheezing do not improve with medication, call your child's doctor.

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