Cough Treatment For Children

Options For Cough Treatment At Home

Cough treatment for children is not the same as it is for adults. In fact, some doctors say you shoudn't treat a child's cough with over the counter cough and cold medications until they're at least 14 years of age (see our article on cough drops). Your doctor is the best source of information on the subject of the best cough treatment for children under 14.

Be careful too, to follow your doctor's recommendations about cough medicine dosage, and be wary of over-the-counter cough treatments that have more than one type of medicine. They can cause side effects.

Ask your doctor about over-the counter cough syrups. While they don't contain power narcotics like some prescription cough medicines, they might still contain dextromethorphan, which can also cause some very unpleasant side effects in both adults and kids. Some children may also be allergic to certain cough syrups, developing skin rashes and swelling.

Giving cough drops to younger children can be dangerous for a number of reasons. As a general rule, don't give them to kids who are under four because there's a chance the cough drop could get stuck in their throat. Cough drops are safe for older kids and adults, but don't give them to youngsters without getting an okay from your doctor first.

Many of today's parents - and grandparents - grew up in a time when you got antibiotics for everything. Be aware that doctors are more discriminating about cough treatment using antibiotics because they're useless against a virus. Antibiotics only work against bacteria. So if your doctor determines that your child's cough is being caused by a virus, he or she won't prescribe an antibiotic.

When children get a viral cough, you just have to "wait it out." Cough treatment options are limited if the cough is viral, and viral coughs sometimes last as long as two weeks.

Cough treatment at home Children with a cough caused by croup generally respond to steam treatment. You can run hot water in your bathroom shower and let the bathroom fill with steam. Then have the child sit in the bathroom for 15-20 minutes. The steam should help ease the discomfort of swollen airways and soothe raw air passages.

Of course, make sure to pay attention to what the child is doing while he or she is in the bathroom. Curious children love to get into medicine cabinets or play with water faucets. This can lead to trouble.

Consider putting a cool-mist humidifier in childrens' bedrooms at night. This could help them sleep.

Keeping kids hydrated when they have a cough or cold is important.

There are a number of liquids you can give children to help them feel better. Even slightly-cool beverages, including certain kinds of juice, can be soothing. But avoid orange juice or soda drinks. These can actually hurt a raw throat.

For years, parents wouldn't give their kids milk because they had been told it promotes mucus formation. Doctors now put this advice in the category of "old wives' tales" and say milk is okay.

A little honey is a good cough treatment for children of certain ages. But don't give honey to babies younger than one because there's a risk of infant botulism. Kids from ages 2-5 can get half a teaspoon. Kids 6-11 can get a full teaspoon. Those 12 and above can get two full teaspoons.

Finally, be mindful that children are especially susceptible to pollutants and irritants when they have respiratory problems. They should be kept away from tobacco smoke, cleaning fluids, air fresheners, etc.

Once again, always stay in touch with your doctor for advice about cough treatment for children. He or she is your best source of information on ways to help children stop coughing.

Also see Why Children Cough.