Is it 'normal' for a 7yr old to have a cough that's lasted for at least 6-7 weeks?

[tigwig]

I think it started with a cold and was consistent through the day and night to begin with. It almost went away at one point and I didnt notice it through the day, just through the night and first thing in the morning. Now shes coughing through the day again too. Is it worth a trip to GP or do coughs just last this long? She doesnt complain of being unwell and is fine in every other way.

[swan_purple]

That is quite a while - not sure though but I think I would take her to the docs just to be safe. xxx

[excelsior-1]

get her to the doctor .. no normal cough should last that long.

if however, there is nothing wrong, at least you have an answer and can stop wondering and worrying.

[Sir Alec]

My Dad is elderly, 85 yesterday to be exact and he had a 'cough' for weeks. It turned out to be a chest infection which eventually started to affect his heart, so yes, I would definitely take her to a GP.

[swan_purple]

I had a cough that lasted that long earlier on this year and went to the docs over it, he just said it was one of those things. He heard my chest and checked my throat was clear and everything and it was just an odd cough. I just got it checked out for my peace of mind really! x

[Sqad]

\\\\She doesnt complain of being unwell and is fine in every other way\\\

That is the bottom line so we are not dealing with any dangerous or infective conditions.

Sir Alec....a 7 year old with a cough is not comparable to a 85 year old with a cough.

Yes cough's can be persistent in children and last up to two months without deleterious effects.

Give it another couple of weeks and if it still persists, then take her, just to exclude an asthmatic condition brought on possibly by grass pollens.

[Eve.]

My asthma ended up being diganosed after having a cough which wouldn't go away so, as Sqad says, worth getting her checked over if it carries on. I was about 14 I think when diagnosed. It was worse at night.

[excelsior-1]

it is now obvious we are all concerned about this. please be so kind as to keep us appraised

[karenmac60]

There is a chance she has just developed a habit. My mum has had a cough for as long as i can remember and it seems to stem from clearing her throat as a sort of nervous habit she is not aware of. It drives my dad mad.

[jno]

I dimly remember having whooping cough at that age, and apparently there's a bit of it about this winter - though you'll probably notice if she's 'whooping' when she draws in breath. Anyway, that is quite long, so why not have it checked out?

[tigwig]

Thanks guys, I am not worried bout whooping cough or anything as serious but just thought it should have cleared up by now. I will make her an appointment which is likely to be at least a week away so I can cancel if it goes by then!