My daughter is 2 and had a cold about 5 weeks ago. she continues with a loud crackly cough only when waking up from sleeping. dr. says lungs ok. ?

Could Be...: Could be allergies.Could be a persistant sinus infection.Could be asthma.Could be a reaction to the room environment such as dryness.In other words you need to consider other possibilities.

Good question: Cough is a normal reflex that is initiated by the lower part of the brain that computes how we adapt. It is a reflex designed to remove a foreign body (e.g. A small fly) from the bronchial tube. If that reflex is initiated too easily because of sensitivity in the brain mechanism an unnecessary cough results. Diet is a common cause, particularly sugar etc. Strange but true.

Agree....: ....With dr. Diamond. Additionally, that "cold" five weeks ago could have been something we call bronchiolitis. Bronchiolitis can sometimes be followed by a lingering, not severe, but annoying cough that lasts for six weeks or more.