Habit Cough or Respiratory Problem? Understanding the Differences and How We Can Help

Winter is upon us, and along with the season’s cold weather, many children experience an uptick in coughs. As parents, it’s essential to distinguish between a habit cough and one caused by a respiratory condition, as each requires different treatment.

At Intown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, P.C. in Atlanta, we are committed to helping you understand these distinctions and providing the best care for your child.

The Winter Cough Epidemic

Winter often brings respiratory illnesses, including the common cold, flu, and bronchitis. During this time, it’s not uncommon for children to develop a cough. In fact, the BMC Infectious Diseases journal published a study in April 2025 that found a significant increase in coughs due to higher rates of respiratory infections in children during winter.

While some coughs are merely a symptom of a transient infection, others could signify a more persistent issue, including a habit cough. Understanding the nuances of these two types of coughs is paramount to ensuring your child receives appropriate care.

What is a Habit Cough?

A habit cough, also known as a psychogenic cough, typically occurs in children without an underlying respiratory illness. The Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (2010) states that it often develops after an initial respiratory infection and may persist even after the illness has resolved. This type of cough is typically nonproductive (i.e., it does not bring up mucus) and tends to occur in specific situations—often when a child is excited or nervous, or during the school day —but may diminish during sleep or when the child is distracted.

Respiratory Problems and Cough

In contrast, a cough caused by a respiratory problem is typically associated with an illness affecting the lungs or airways, such as:

• Asthma: A chronic condition that can cause wheezing, difficulty breathing and a persistent cough.
• Bronchitis: This often occurs with a cold and can lead to a deep, chesty cough.
• Allergies: Seasonal or environmental allergies can provoke coughing as the body reacts to allergens.
• Infections: Viral or bacterial infections of the respiratory tract often cause coughing, accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, fatigue and others.

How to Tell the Difference

Here are some key indicators to help identify whether your child has a habit cough or a respiratory problem:

1. Duration: A habit cough often persists without other symptoms and can last for weeks to months. In contrast, coughs stemming from respiratory illnesses are usually temporary and resolve once the illness passes.
2. Associated Symptoms: Coughs related to respiratory problems are typically accompanied by other symptoms like fever, nasal congestion, or wheezing. A habit cough usually occurs in isolation, without additional signs of illness.
3. Context: Observe when the cough occurs. If it primarily occurs in certain situations (such as school or social settings) and diminishes or disappears at home or during play, it may be a habit cough.
4. Type of Cough: A dry, non-productive cough is often indicative of a habit cough, whereas a wet or productive cough is likely associated with a respiratory issue.
5. Response to Treatment: Habit coughs often do not respond to typical cough medications, whereas coughs caused by infections should improve as the underlying condition is treated.

How Intown Pediatric Medicine Can Help

At Intown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, our pediatricians are trained to assess and differentiate between habit coughs and respiratory issues. Here’s how we can assist:

• Thorough Evaluations: We offer comprehensive examinations to assess your child’s health and determine the underlying cause of their cough.
• Personalized Treatment Plans: Whether your child needs strategies to manage a persistent cough or treatment for an underlying respiratory condition, we will tailor a plan to their needs.
• Support and Guidance: Our team provides resources and guidance to help you understand and effectively manage your child’s condition.

Cough FAQs

When should I be concerned about my child’s cough?

If your child has a cough that lasts more than a few weeks, is accompanied by difficulty breathing or is accompanied by a high fever, contact a healthcare professional.

Can a habit cough go away on its own?

Yes, many children outgrow habit coughs without treatment, but it’s often helpful to seek guidance if it persists.

Are there home remedies for a cough?

Humidifiers, honey (for children over one year) and warm fluids can help soothe a cough, but consult your pediatrician for appropriate recommendations.

Is a cough alone enough to visit the doctor?

If symptoms persist or you notice other concerning symptoms, a visit to the pediatrician is advisable.

Can allergies cause a cough?

Yes, allergies can cause coughing, especially when there’s concurrent nasal congestion or postnasal drip.

Atlanta GA Pediatric Cough Specialist

Understanding the nature of your child’s cough is crucial for their health and comfort. If you’re uncertain, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Intown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine. We’re here to support you through winter’s cough season and beyond.