Caring for Kids’ Coughs: Expert Strategies and Home Remedies for Concerned Parents to Stop Coughing at Night

by | Aug 24, 2023 | Medical

Coughing child

Disclaimer: The information provided here is not professional medical advice. I am not a doctor, nor am I your doctor. The following list is for informational purposes only. Seek the advice of a medical doctor or other medical professional for all medical matters.

Caring for Kids’ Coughs: Expert Strategies for Concerned Parents

As a parent, few things can be as concerning as hearing your child’s persistent cough especially when your child is unable to stop coughing at night. Coughing is a common symptom in children and can have various causes, from mild infections to more serious underlying conditions. In this guide, we will explore how parents can effectively manage and control coughs in children, discuss potential causes of coughs, and provide guidance on when it’s necessary to seek and advocate for medical attention for your child’s cough.

Understanding the Types of Coughs

Before delving into management strategies, it’s crucial to recognize that not all coughs are the same. Coughs can be broadly categorized into two main types: productive and non-productive.

  1. Productive Cough: This type of cough involves the expulsion of mucus or phlegm from the respiratory tract. It’s usually associated with respiratory infections such as the common cold or flu. A productive cough serves as the body’s mechanism to clear the airways of excess mucus.
  2. Non-Productive Cough: Also known as a dry cough, this type of cough does not produce any mucus. It can be triggered by various factors, including irritation from allergens, pollutants, or even a tickle in the throat.

Common Causes of Coughs in Children

Understanding the potential causes of your child’s cough is essential for effective management. Some common causes of coughs in children include:

  1. Viral Infections: The most frequent cause of coughs in children is viral infections such as the common cold, influenza, and COVID-19. These infections irritate the airways and lead to coughing as the body tries to clear mucus.
  2. Allergies: Allergies to pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or other allergens can trigger persistent coughs, often accompanied by other symptoms like sneezing and runny nose.
  3. Asthma: Asthma is a chronic condition that can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Cough variant asthma, in particular, may primarily manifest as a persistent cough.
  4. Environmental Irritants: Exposure to smoke, strong odors, pollutants, and even changes in temperature can irritate the airways and lead to coughing.
  5. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Sometimes, stomach acid can flow back into the esophagus and trigger coughing, especially at night or after meals.
  6. Postnasal Drip: Excess mucus from the nasal passages can drip down the throat, causing irritation and coughing.
  7. Respiratory Infections: Apart from cold and flu viruses, other infections such as croup (a viral infection of the throat) and whooping cough (pertussis) can cause severe coughing spells.
  8. Serious Underlying Conditions: In some cases, chronic coughing can be a sign of more serious underlying conditions like cystic fibrosis or congenital heart defects.

Managing and Controlling Coughs in Children: Strategies and Home Remedies

As a parent, there are several strategies and home remedies you can employ to help manage and control your child’s cough, depending on its severity and cause.

  1. Hydration: Keeping your child well-hydrated helps thin mucus and makes it easier for them to clear their airways. Offer water, clear soups, or diluted apple juice.
  2. Humidifiers: Using a cool mist humidifier in your child’s room can add moisture to the air and ease coughing, especially if the air is dry.
  3. Elevate the Head: Elevating your child’s head slightly during sleep can minimize postnasal drip and reduce nighttime coughing.
  4. Honey and lemon: For children over the age of 1, honey has been shown to provide some relief from coughing. Lemon can help decrease congestion. Mix a teaspoon of honey in warm water or tea and a squeeze of lemon before bedtime.  Learn more about giving honey to children here.
  5. Saline Nasal Drops: These drops can help alleviate congestion and reduce postnasal drip.
  6. Avoid Irritants: Keep your child away from smoke, strong odors, and other environmental irritants that can exacerbate their cough. Consider adding an air purifier to your child’s room.
  7. Over-the-Counter Medications: Some cough medicines are available over-the-counter, but it’s crucial to consult your pediatrician before using any medication, as some may not be safe or effective for young children.
  8. Essential Oils: menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus oil can soothe irritated airways which may suppress coughs. Over-the-counter vapor rubs and aromatherapy drops are application options. Ask your child’s pediatrician about using these treatments for children ages 2 and under. 
  9. Butter: An old-time home remedy is to put a very thin pat of butter inside the cheek. The thinking behind this method is that as the butter melts, it soothes irritation in the throat.

When to Consult a Doctor

While many coughs in children are due to mild infections and irritations and can be managed at home, there are situations where it’s advisable to seek medical attention.

  1. Persistent Cough: If your child’s cough lasts for more than a week or two, it’s important to consult a doctor, as it could be a sign of an underlying condition.
  2. High Fever: If your child has a high fever along with their cough, it could indicate a more serious infection that requires medical attention.
  3. Wheezing or Shortness of Breath: If your child is having difficulty breathing, wheezing, or their lips and nails turn blue, seek medical help immediately, as this could be a sign of a respiratory emergency.
  4. Coughing Blood: If your child coughs up blood or blood-tinged mucus, seek medical attention promptly.
  5. Preexisting Conditions: If your child has preexisting conditions like asthma, it’s important to monitor their cough closely and follow your doctor’s guidance.
  6. Young Age: For infants under 3 months of age with a persistent cough, it’s crucial to consult a doctor, as their immune systems are still developing.

Conclusion

Coughs are a common occurrence in children, and in most cases, they are caused by viral infections or environmental irritants. As a parent, you play a vital role in helping your child manage and overcome their cough. By maintaining proper hydration, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and employing home remedies, you can provide relief to your child’s discomfort and help them sleep at night. However, it’s essential to recognize when a cough requires medical attention. If your child’s cough is persistent, accompanied by high fever, wheezing, or any other concerning symptoms, consulting a pediatrician is the best course of action. Alleviating a cough can help your child sleep better and improve their appetite which may allow them to recover more quickly. Your child’s health and well-being are paramount, and with proper care and attention, you can guide them through a cough and back to their lively, healthy selves.