{"id":53650,"date":"2022-09-02T09:30:18","date_gmt":"2022-09-02T13:30:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=53650"},"modified":"2024-11-21T16:17:37","modified_gmt":"2024-11-21T21:17:37","slug":"cough-remedies-for-kids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/cough-remedies-for-kids\/","title":{"rendered":"6 ways to treat your child\u2019s cough naturally"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coughs are a common symptom that most children will experience many times throughout their childhood. Although they aren\u2019t 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\" data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:6849,&quot;3&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:0},&quot;9&quot;:1,&quot;10&quot;:2,&quot;12&quot;:0,&quot;14&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:0},&quot;15&quot;:&quot;Arial&quot;}\" data-sheets-formula=\"=CONCATENATE(R[0]C[-2],R[0]C[-3],R[0]C[-1])\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But don\u2019t be so quick to reach for the kid\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/cough-cold\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cough or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cold medicine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to relieve cough in kids<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are many different types of coughs, so it\u2019s important to listen to how the cough sounds and watch out for any other accompanying symptoms. This will help you and your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> provider determine the best treatment plan for your child.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Examples of different <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/childs-cough.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cough types<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Mild cough,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> which is often a sign of a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">common cold<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or allergies. In most cases, these can be treated with at-<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">home remedies<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Deep cough,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">barking cough<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Tight cough<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which is commonly due to an infection, such as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">croup<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or asthma. If your child is complaining of chest tightness, it\u2019s best to talk to your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Repeated, hacking cough with loud breath, <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> provider.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cThe type of cough\/the cause of the cough is very important as certain coughs may require specific treatments,\u201d says <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/mdmercy.com\/find-a-doctor\/emily-wisniewski-md\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Emily Wisniewski, MD<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a board-certified <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pediatrician<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/mdmercy.com\/mercy-services\/pediatrics-mercy-family-care\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mercy Family Care Physicians<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Baltimore. \u201cFor example, if your child has <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">croup<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, 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.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When not treated quickly, coughs can cause discomfort and pain in the chest and throat areas. Although <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cough medicine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is not approved for use in children of all ages, there are other medications and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">home remedies<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to help relieve the cough and soothe any discomfort.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">home remedies<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for cough in kids<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">over-the-counter cough medicines, including <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/consumers\/consumer-updates\/should-you-give-kids-medicine-coughs-and-colds\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">homeopathic medicine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> aren\u2019t recommended for children younger than 6, according to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/healthychildren.org\/English\/health-issues\/conditions\/flu\/Pages\/caring-for-Your-childs-cold-or-flu.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">American Academy of Pediatrics<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (AAP)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">home remedies<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are often the first step in helping your child feel better. Try out these six natural remedies for cough in kids.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cool-mist humidifier<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/article\/002104.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cool-mist humidifiers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">vaporizers<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, are a popular method of adding moisture to the air and are a common <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cough remedy<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for kids. Although more research is needed, the use of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">humidifiers<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep in mind that a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">warm-mist<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">humidifier<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may offer similar benefits, but they aren\u2019t recommended for homes with children due to the potential for burns from the hot water or steam.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Warm steam shower<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6732600\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">warm steam shower<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> before bed can also help loosen children\u2019s mucus and congestion, relax their cough, and make it easier for your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">little one<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to breathe. Just be sure the shower isn\u2019t too hot, as that could be dangerous for <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">young children<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Saline nasal drops or sprays<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">child\u2019s cough<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is due to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nasal congestion<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">post-nasal drip<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, using <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/publications.aap.org\/aapgrandrounds\/article-abstract\/20\/2\/17\/86410\/Isotonic-Nasal-Saline-Is-Beneficial-in-the\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">saline nasal drops<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or sprays can help to gently clear out their <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nasal passages<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and make it easier for them to breathe. They can also help wash away germs and irritants in the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nostril<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/saline-nasal-spray\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Saline nasal spray coupons<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For small children who are unable to blow their noses, a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">suction bulb<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can be used following the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">saline drops<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to help clear the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nasal passages<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It is important to be careful with this task to avoid increasing swelling in the nostrils or provoking local trauma (nosebleeds)\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Honey<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ebm.bmj.com\/content\/26\/2\/57.long\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> suggests that the antimicrobial properties of honey can help reduce <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cold symptoms<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014mainly the frequency and severity of a cough. However, honey should <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">never<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> be given to children younger than 1 year due to the risk of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">botulism<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014a rare but potentially <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">life-threatening<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> illness that affects the body\u2019s nerves, causing muscle weakness and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">difficulty breathing<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The AAP recommends trying the following dosages of honey:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Ages 1-5:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 1\/2 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">teaspoon of honey<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Ages 6-11:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 1 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">teaspoon of honey<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Ages 12 and older:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 2 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">teaspoons of honey<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While there aren\u2019t 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\u2019t forget to brush your child\u2019s teeth after giving them a dose of honey to reduce their risk of developing cavities.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Warm liquids<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For an older toddler or child, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/19145994\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">drinking warm liquids<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can help to soothe a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sore throat<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, loosen congestion, and ease a cough. Try giving your child <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">warm water<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, herbal tea, or broth. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chicken soup<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is another great way to get some nutrients while soothing your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">child\u2019s symptoms<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can also dissolve honey into the warm liquid for added benefits. Be cautious of the temperature to ensure your child won\u2019t get burned.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. Chest rub<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A topical children\u2019s chest rub, such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/vicks-vaporub-childrens\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vicks<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> VapoRub Children\u2019s Topical <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cough Suppressant<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, can provide <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3600823\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">soothing cough relief<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to help your child get some sleep.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kids\u2019 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cough medicine<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When at-home kids\u2019 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cough remedies<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> aren\u2019t effective, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">over-the-counter<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (OTC) medications might be an option. Your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> provider may recommend one of the following types of medications to treat your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">child\u2019s cough<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/decongestants\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Nasal decongestants<\/b><\/a><b>:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> These can help to clear your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">child\u2019s nose<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and may be helpful if your child is also dealing with allergies. A common active ingredient in these medications is pseudoephedrine.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/drugs\/22078-expectorant\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Expectorants:<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Expectorants can help to thin mucus <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">secretions<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and make coughing up phlegm easier. A common active ingredient in expectorants is guaifenesin.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/familydoctor.org\/cough-medicine-understanding-your-otc-options\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Cough suppressants<\/b><\/a><b>:<\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cough suppressants<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> help to relax a cough reflex so a person coughs less. A common active ingredient in <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cough suppressants<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is dextromethorphan.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/drugs\/21223-antihistamines\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Antihistamines<\/b><\/a><b>: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antihistamines can be helpful if your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">child\u2019s cough<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is due to allergies, hay fever, or a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">common cold<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. A common active ingredient in these medications is diphenhydramine.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Pain relievers:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Pain relievers can help to ease any chest or throat pain that may be associated with coughing. Common active ingredients in pain relievers are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/childrens-acetaminophen\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">acetaminophen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/childrens-motrin\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ibuprofen<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\t\t<div class=\"singlecare-dynamic-newsletter-wrapper sin-newsletter-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"heading\">Get our allergies newsletter<\/span>\n\t\t\t<form class=\"form-wrapper\" data-newsletter-form=\"1\" data-subsource=\"Allergies Newsletter\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"input-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for=\"dynamic-email\">Email<\/label>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input type=\"email\" id=\"dynamic-email\" class=\"email\" required>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"input-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class=\"submit-form-btn\" type=\"submit\" value=\"Click to sign up\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/form>\n\t\t\t<p class=\"success-message\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some commonly used <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">OTC cough syrups<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/mucinex-cough-congest-child\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mucinex <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Children\u2019s Cough<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and Congestion Liquid<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/robitussin-child-cough-cold-la\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Robitussin <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Children\u2019s Cough<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and Cold Long-Acting Syrup<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, include a combination of medications that aim to treat more than one symptom.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cMany of these <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">OTC cough<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> medications have multiple ingredients, which can cause unwanted <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, serious complications, or accidental overdose in <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">young children<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,\u201d warns <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.poison.org\/kelly-johnson-arbor-bio\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kelly Johnson-Arbor, MD<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a medical toxicologist and co-medical director at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.poison.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Capital Poison Center<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><b> \u201cBecause of this, it&#8217;s recommended that these medications not be used in children younger than 6 years old.\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Read the medication directions and talk to your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pediatrician<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to determine the appropriate medication and dosage for your child. You can then use <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SingleCare\u2019s search feature<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to compare pharmacy prices and get a free coupon card to help you save money.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When to see a doctor<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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\u2019s accompanied by other symptoms, you should contact your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> provider.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cough associated with the following symptoms needs to be evaluated by a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> provider:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fever greater than 100.4\u00b0F in infants younger than two months of age or greater than 102\u00b0F in older babies and children<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difficulty breathing<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, wheezing, or gasping<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breathing faster than normal<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blue or discolored face or lips<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vomiting\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Signs of dehydration, such as decreased urination or fewer wet diapers than normal<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased irritability or sleepiness<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">child\u2019s cough<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may need to run its course, it also may be a sign of a more serious medical issue that requires medical attention. If you\u2019re concerned for any reason, contact your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pediatric<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> provider. They may inquire about how the cough sounds and whether your child is experiencing any other symptoms before determining the best kids\u2019 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cough remedy<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for your child.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Coughs are a common symptom that most children will experience many times throughout their childhood. Although they aren\u2019t 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.\u00a0 But don\u2019t be so quick to reach for the kid\u2019s cough [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":135,"featured_media":53322,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8029],"tags":[3564,11169,19027],"coauthors":[20916],"class_list":["post-53650","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health-education","tag-children","tag-cold-flu","tag-home-remedies","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Cough remedies for kids: How to treat cough in kids<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Home remedies for kids&#039; cough include honey, nasal saline, chest rub, and warm liquids. 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