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Coughs are a common symptom that most children will experience many times throughout their childhood. Although they aren’t usually a cause for concern and will go away on their own, coughs could be a symptom of a more serious issue and may require treatment.
But don’t be so quick to reach for the kid’s cough or cold medicine. It’s not always a safe or effective treatment option. Understanding the different types of coughs and the proper way to treat them, will help get your child on the path to recovery in no time.
How to relieve cough in kids
There are many different types of coughs, so it’s important to listen to how the cough sounds and watch out for any other accompanying symptoms. This will help you and your healthcare provider determine the best treatment plan for your child.
Examples of different cough types include:
- Mild cough, which is often a sign of a common cold or allergies. In most cases, these can be treated with at-home remedies.
- Deep cough, such as a barking cough or a wet cough. These are often a result of viral or bacterial infection, such as the cold, flu, or pneumonia. These can be treated at home in some situations. However, if the cough is severe or persistent, you should take your child to see their primary care provider.
- Tight cough, which is commonly due to an infection, such as croup, or asthma. If your child is complaining of chest tightness, it’s best to talk to your healthcare provider. They may have difficulty catching their breath, talking in full sentences, or have physical symptoms such as nostrils flaring, belly breathing, fast breathing, or sucking in between ribs with breaths.
- Repeated, hacking cough with loud breath, which is a sign of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, a highly contagious and potentially dangerous respiratory tract infection. This type of cough is sometimes called a stacked cough and may come with facial discoloration, either blueness or paleness. It will require a medication prescription from your healthcare provider.
“The type of cough/the cause of the cough is very important as certain coughs may require specific treatments,” says Emily Wisniewski, MD, a board-certified pediatrician with Mercy Family Care Physicians in Baltimore. “For example, if your child has croup, they might need steroids to get better. If they have asthma, they could need a rescue inhaler or steroids. Most viral coughs, on the other hand, do best with supportive care.”
When not treated quickly, coughs can cause discomfort and pain in the chest and throat areas. Although cough medicine is not approved for use in children of all ages, there are other medications and home remedies to help relieve the cough and soothe any discomfort.
6 home remedies for cough in kids
Because over-the-counter cough medicines, including homeopathic medicine, aren’t recommended for children younger than 6, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), home remedies are often the first step in helping your child feel better. Try out these six natural remedies for cough in kids.
1. Cool-mist humidifier
Cool-mist humidifiers, or vaporizers, are a popular method of adding moisture to the air and are a common cough remedy for kids. Although more research is needed, the use of humidifiers is believed to help loosen mucus and ultimately soothe coughs and congestion. Just be sure to clean it regularly to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria, which can be emitted into the air.
Keep in mind that a warm-mist humidifier may offer similar benefits, but they aren’t recommended for homes with children due to the potential for burns from the hot water or steam.
2. Warm steam shower
A warm steam shower before bed can also help loosen children’s mucus and congestion, relax their cough, and make it easier for your little one to breathe. Just be sure the shower isn’t too hot, as that could be dangerous for young children.
3. Saline nasal drops or sprays
If your child’s cough is due to nasal congestion or post-nasal drip, using saline nasal drops or sprays can help to gently clear out their nasal passages and make it easier for them to breathe. They can also help wash away germs and irritants in the nostril.
For small children who are unable to blow their noses, a suction bulb can be used following the saline drops to help clear the nasal passages. It is important to be careful with this task to avoid increasing swelling in the nostrils or provoking local trauma (nosebleeds)
4. Honey
Research suggests that the antimicrobial properties of honey can help reduce cold symptoms—mainly the frequency and severity of a cough. However, honey should never be given to children younger than 1 year due to the risk of botulism—a rare but potentially life-threatening illness that affects the body’s nerves, causing muscle weakness and difficulty breathing.
The AAP recommends trying the following dosages of honey:
- Ages 1-5: 1/2 teaspoon of honey
- Ages 6-11: 1 teaspoon of honey
- Ages 12 and older: 2 teaspoons of honey
While there aren’t specific guidelines for how much you can give your child in a day, honey does contain sugar, so you may choose to limit it near bedtime. In addition, don’t forget to brush your child’s teeth after giving them a dose of honey to reduce their risk of developing cavities.
5. Warm liquids
For an older toddler or child, drinking warm liquids can help to soothe a sore throat, loosen congestion, and ease a cough. Try giving your child warm water, herbal tea, or broth. Chicken soup is another great way to get some nutrients while soothing your child’s symptoms.
You can also dissolve honey into the warm liquid for added benefits. Be cautious of the temperature to ensure your child won’t get burned.
6. Chest rub
A topical children’s chest rub, such as Vicks VapoRub Children’s Topical Cough Suppressant, can provide soothing cough relief to help your child get some sleep.
Depending on the product, chest rub may not be recommended for children younger than 2 and can potentially be dangerous if not used as directed.
Kids’ cough medicine
When at-home kids’ cough remedies aren’t effective, over-the-counter (OTC) medications might be an option. Your healthcare provider may recommend one of the following types of medications to treat your child’s cough. Most of these medications are not recommended under age 4 years old and do not have safety or effectiveness data for children under age 6 years.
- Nasal decongestants: These can help to clear your child’s nose and may be helpful if your child is also dealing with allergies. A common active ingredient in these medications is pseudoephedrine.
- Expectorants: Expectorants can help to thin mucus secretions and make coughing up phlegm easier. A common active ingredient in expectorants is guaifenesin.
- Cough suppressants: Cough suppressants help to relax a cough reflex so a person coughs less. A common active ingredient in cough suppressants is dextromethorphan.
- Antihistamines: Antihistamines can be helpful if your child’s cough is due to allergies, hay fever, or a common cold. A common active ingredient in these medications is diphenhydramine.
- Pain relievers: Pain relievers can help to ease any chest or throat pain that may be associated with coughing. Common active ingredients in pain relievers are acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Some commonly used OTC cough syrups, such as Mucinex Children’s Cough and Congestion Liquid and Robitussin Children’s Cough and Cold Long-Acting Syrup, include a combination of medications that aim to treat more than one symptom.
“Many of these OTC cough medications have multiple ingredients, which can cause unwanted side effects, serious complications, or accidental overdose in young children,” warns Kelly Johnson-Arbor, MD, a medical toxicologist and co-medical director at National Capital Poison Center. “Because of this, it’s recommended that these medications not be used in children younger than 6 years old.”
Read the medication directions and talk to your pediatrician to determine the appropriate medication and dosage for your child. You can then use SingleCare’s search feature to compare pharmacy prices and get a free coupon card to help you save money.
When to see a doctor
In most cases, a cough will go away on its own in 10 to 14 days. However, when the cough is severe, lasts more than 14 days without showing improvement, or when it’s accompanied by other symptoms, you should contact your healthcare provider.
Cough associated with the following symptoms needs to be evaluated by a healthcare provider:
- Fever greater than 100.4°F in infants younger than two months of age or greater than 102°F in older babies and children
- Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or gasping
- Breathing faster than normal
- Blue or discolored face or lips
- Vomiting
- Signs of dehydration, such as decreased urination or fewer wet diapers than normal
- Increased irritability or sleepiness
While your child’s cough may need to run its course, it also may be a sign of a more serious medical issue that requires medical attention. If you’re concerned for any reason, contact your pediatric healthcare provider. They may inquire about how the cough sounds and whether your child is experiencing any other symptoms before determining the best kids’ cough remedy for your child.
