Coughing is a frequent occurrence in children and is something they will experience frequently during their childhood. Although it's not usually a matter of concern and resolves on its own, it can indicate a more serious issue and treatment might be necessary. Avoid immediately administering cough or cold medicine to children as it may not always be safe or effective. By recognizing the various types of coughs and following the appropriate treatment method, you can aid your child in their recovery quickly.
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Relieving Coughs in Children:
It is crucial to pay attention to the sound of the cough and any other symptoms present, as there are various types of coughs. This will assist you and your healthcare provider in determining the appropriate treatment plan for your child. Some examples of the different types of coughs are:
- Mild Cough: This type of cough is often an indication of a common cold or allergies and can usually be managed with home remedies.
- Deep Cough: This could be a barking cough or a wet cough, usually caused by viral or bacterial infections such as the cold, flu, or pneumonia. Some cases can be treated at home, but if the cough is persistent or severe, it is recommended to take your child to their primary care provider for proper treatment.
- Stacked Cough: If your child has a repeated, hacking cough accompanied by loud breathing, it may be a sign of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, which is a highly contagious and potentially dangerous respiratory tract infection. This type of cough is characterized by facial discoloration, either blueness or paleness, and is sometimes referred to as a stacked cough. Medical intervention in the form of a medication prescription from your healthcare provider is necessary.
- Tight Cough: This type of cough is frequently caused by an infection like croup or asthma. If your child experiences chest tightness and difficulty in breathing, talking or showing physical symptoms such as nostrils flaring, belly breathing, fast breathing, or inhaling between ribs, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider.
Untreated coughs can lead to discomfort and pain in the chest and throat. While cough medicine may not be suitable for all children, there are alternative medications and home remedies that can help alleviate the cough and ease any discomfort.
6 Natural Remedies for Children's Cough:
As over-the-counter cough medicines, including homeopathic medicine, are not recommended for children under 6 according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), home remedies can be an initial solution to help your child feel better.
Here are six home remedies to try for a child's cough.
1. Warm Steam Shower:
A warm steam shower before bedtime can also help relieve a child's mucus and congestion, ease their cough, and make breathing easier. Ensure that the shower is not too hot, as this can be hazardous for young children.
2. Cool-Mist Humidifier:
A cool-mist humidifier, also known as a vaporizer, is a widely used method for adding moisture to the air and is a popular remedy for children's cough. Although further research is required, it is believed that the use of humidifiers can help loosen mucus and soothe coughs and congestion. It is important to clean the humidifier regularly to avoid mold and bacteria growth which can be spread into the air. Note that while a warm-mist humidifier may also provide similar benefits, they are not recommended for households with children due to the risk of burns from hot water or steam.
3. Honey:
Honey has been found to have antimicrobial properties which may help reduce the symptoms of colds, including coughing. However, honey should not be given to children under 1-year-old due to the risk of botulism. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following daily dosages of honey for different age groups:
- 1/2 teaspoon for ages 1-5,
- 1 teaspoon for ages 6-11,
- and 2 teaspoons for ages 12 and above.
Although there is no specific limit for daily intake, it's important to keep in mind that honey contains sugar and may affect sleep if taken near bedtime. Brushing your child's teeth after giving them honey can help reduce the risk of cavities.
4. Saline Nasal Drops or Sprays:
If the cause of a child's cough is nasal congestion or post-nasal drip, saline nasal drops or sprays can be used to clear the nasal passages and facilitate breathing. These drops or sprays also help remove germs and irritants from the nostrils. For younger children who cannot blow their noses, a suction bulb can be used in conjunction with saline drops to clear the nasal passages. It is crucial to exercise caution when using the suction bulb to prevent nosebleeds or further swelling in the nostrils.
5. Chest Rub:
A children's chest rub, such as Vicks VapoRub Children's Topical Cough Suppressant, can offer relief from coughing and assist your child in getting a good night's sleep. However, some chest rubs may not be appropriate for children under 2 years of age and must be used as instructed to prevent potential harm.
Kids' Cough Medicine: If home remedies for a child's cough don't prove effective, over-the-counter (OTC) medications may be a solution. Your healthcare provider may suggest one of these medications treat your child's cough. However, most of these medications are not recommended for use in children under 4 years old and lack safety and efficacy data for children under 6 years old.
The following medications may be also recommended by a healthcare provider for treating a child's cough:
- Nasal decongestants: They help clear the nose and may be effective for children with allergies, with pseudoephedrine as a common active ingredient.
- Expectorants: They help loosen mucus and make coughing up phlegm easier, with guaifenesin as a common active ingredient.
- Cough suppressants: They suppress coughing by relaxing the cough reflex, with dextromethorphan as a common active ingredient.
- Antihistamines: They can be used for coughs caused by allergies, hay fever, or a cold, with diphenhydramine as a common active ingredient.
- Pain relievers: They alleviate chest or throat pain that may accompany coughing, with acetaminophen or ibuprofen as common active ingredients.
OTC cough syrups, such as Mucinex Children's Cough and Congestion Liquid and Robitussin Children's Cough and Cold Long-Acting Syrup, often contain multiple ingredients that aim to treat several symptoms at once.
However, this combination of ingredients can lead to negative side effects, serious complications, or accidental overdose in young children, warns Kelly Johnson-Arbor, MD, co-medical director at National Capital Poison Center. For this reason, these medications are not recommended for use in children under 6 years old.
Consult the instructions for the medication and speak with your child's pediatrician to establish the appropriate type of medicine and the right dose for them.
6. Warm liquids:
Warm liquids like warm water, herbal tea, broth, or chicken soup can provide relief for an older toddler or child with a cough, sore throat, and nasal congestion. Honey can be added to the warm drink for added benefits, but the temperature must be monitored to prevent burns.
When should I visit the doctor?
If a cough lasts for more than 14 days without showing improvement or is accompanied by other symptoms, it's necessary to contact a healthcare provider. A cough with any of the following symptoms should also be evaluated by a doctor:
- A fever higher than 100.4°F in infants under two months old or higher than 102°F in older children.
- Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or gasping.
- Fast breathing.
- Blue or discolored face or lips.
- Vomiting.
- Signs of dehydration.
- Increased sleepiness or irritability.
Consult with your pediatric healthcare provider if you're concerned about your child's cough, as it may indicate a more serious health issue that requires medical attention. The doctor may ask questions about the sound of the cough and other symptoms before determining the best treatment.