Shortness of Breath in Infants and Children

Your child may be coughing due to a nervous habit or tic. (In medical terms, this is called a psychogenic cough.) Try to figure out what might be causing stress in your child's life, either at home or school. Talk this over with your spouse or family members. Speak with your child's teachers and ask whether there are any problems at school.

Call your pediatrician to let him or her know what's going on. Your pediatrician may suggest counseling for your child if his cough is caused by stress or anxiety.