Deciphering a Cough

For most parents, a cough is just a cough.  It could mean a little dust is in the air or the start of a cold, but nothing to hover over and ponder deeply.  For us, a cough can have many meanings, and deciphering it is the challenge. 

The Babe is more prone to chest colds due to her allergies and asthma.  Her having a cold isn't the first thing that crosses our minds though when she starts to cough.  First, is she choking on something?  If she's choking, is it from something irritating her throat or is it the start of an allergic reaction?  Next, if she's not choking and can talk, but keeps coughing, is it the start of an allergic reaction or her asthma?  If you see a running thread here, we always question if she's having an allergic reaction.  A cold or asthma come into concern second. 

Lately I suspect her asthma is starting to kick up.  I think humidity has been triggering it when we've gone out.  My husband though keeps wanting to pin it on her allergies.  Either way, it looks like I will now be carrying her inhaler with us wherever we go (and its not just a little inhaler, but the chamber used with it that's about a foot long).  So, my traveling pharmacy continues to grow.