Is your child coughing and you are worried? There are home remedies that you can try as a cough medicine for your child.
It’s especially difficult to care for a baby with a cough because he can’t tell you how he’s feeling.
You need to be observant and listen to every sound your baby makes when coughing and breathing, to realize what type of cough he or she has.
We cannot be like our elders who can always buy medicine from the pharmacy for coughs and colds. When babies and children have coughs and colds, children’s cough medicine is not the first solution. It is better to prioritize natural methods and home remedies before deciding to use medicine.
title="Symptoms to “listen to” and effective remedies for baby cough
">Symptoms to “listen to” and effective remedies for baby cough
Cough symptoms of cold: Cough with phlegm
Croup: Cough that feels like barking
Bronchiolitis or Asthma: Cough with wheezing or whistling
Whooping cough: strong and frequent coughing
Cough symptom of pneumonia: wet and with phlegm
Can it be used as cough medicine for babies and children?
“For children, a common cough is about viruses, so when it’s a virus, there’s no need to immediately give antibiotics. So the first thing parents should do is observe what kind of cough it is, or if it’s getting worse. Second, help the child. There are home remedies that have been studied.”
” And because it reduces coughing, they can sleep better. And it also reduces mucus secretion. But all of this is still being studied,” he said.
“If it’s a cough due to a virus, just increase fluid intake and rest and observe if it gets worse.”
“Because if there is an adult who is coughing (at home) and it is severe. We should understand that the baby may have been infected with the adult’s illness.”
“Did he do anything or do any activity that exposed him to dust or dustmites? You have to check your bed linens also.”
“Check to see if your bed sheets are changed regularly. Because if allergies are high in the family, it may also be possible that the child is coughing because of something triggering it.”
“See if it gets worse by the speed or depth of your breathing and your frequency of coughing during the day.”
Home Remedies for a child’s cough
Fluids
Menthol rubs
Humidifiers
Honey
Saline nose drops or spray
Note: You should be concerned when
When to consult a doctor
Why is the baby coughing?
A baby’s cough can mean many things. Should I wait for the cough to go away? Should I just give my child cough medicine like cough syrup? Should I make an appointment with the doctor first, or should I rush my baby to the Emergency Room?
According to Robert Giesler, a respiratory therapist at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, once you get used to listening to different children cough, you’ll start to recognize the different types.
What to be concerned about. It’s natural to feel sorry when you hear your baby coughing or wheezing, especially at night. In such a situation, it’s important to know when to use cough medicine for your child or when medical attention is needed.
Image from Freepik
The first thing to understand is the cause of the cough.
Coughing is the body’s first defense, to keep the airways open and remove blocking phlegm, or food.
This is the body’s most important defense against respiratory tract illnesses. Coughing can also give parents a clue as to what kind of illness is coming. In some cases, a child’s cough medicine may be needed to help with the symptoms.
When a child under 4 months old starts to cough severely, it should be a cause for concern, according to Dr. Carlo Palarca, MD, an internist.
When it’s winter and a baby has a severe cough, it could be respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a dangerous viral infection that babies can get.
Some other possible causes of a child’s cough include the following:
- Air pollution – smoke from vehicles and cigarettes
- Allergies – allergens such as pollen from flowers or plants, as well as pet dander.
- Asthma – one of the most common causes of cough in children is asthma.
- Sinus infection – pressure in a child’s sinuses can cause a cough.
What type of baby cough does your child have?
As the child grows older, and is past the age of one, the cough is no longer a cause for concern. It is more likely to be associated with a cold or common cold, explains Dr. Palarca.
There are two types of cough in children, according to Dr. Palarca:
- Dry cough, where the child has a cold or allergies and is coughing. Coughing helps to clear the mucus and loosen the throat and airways, where phlegm is blocking them.
- Wet cough, caused by a respiratory illness with a bacterial infection. This is a type of cough that produces phlegm or mucus (which contains white blood cells that fight germs) in the child’s throat.
Symptoms to “listen to” and effective remedies for baby cough
Does baby have a cough? Is he having difficulty breathing and wheezing like he’s whistling, or is he coughing nonstop? What is causing a baby’s cough, and what should you do about it?
Cough symptoms of cold: Cough with phlegm
A stuffy nose and sore throat are signs of a cold and the flu. So when a child coughs, there is a snot because of the phlegm in the throat that the system is trying to get rid of. Sometimes they also have a fever.
Simple solution: Baby just needs lots of water and fluids. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a baby’s cough medicine should not be given to an infant, and children under 6 years of age, if possible.
Natural remedies such as giving honey to children 1 year old and older, saline drops, and using a cool-mist humidifier can help.
If the cough is accompanied by a fever of 38°C or higher, it is best to take the child to the doctor, especially if he is under 4 months old.
Croup: Cough that feels like barking
This is the most common cough in children 5 years old and younger.
This is a persistent cough that sounds like the child is barking and has difficulty breathing. It is caused by a viral infection, which causes the throat or trachea to swell, almost closing off the airway or breathing passage.
This cough also goes away quickly, sometimes in as little as 4 days. If this cough persists, consult a doctor immediately.
Simple solution: Steam treatment can help as a cough medicine for babies. Boil water with menthol (like Vicks), and have your baby inhale the steam. There are also steam vaporizers available for congestion and cough.
If it is cool outside, and the air is moderately warm, the child can be taken outside to help him breathe more easily.
Bronchiolitis or Asthma: Cough with wheezing or whistling
Cough usually develops into bronchiolitis, along with a cold.
When there is difficulty breathing and wheezing, it may be caused by an obstruction in the airway, such as dust, for example.
RSV can lead to bronchiolitis, which is dangerous for babies under one year old. It usually strikes during the winter or rainy season, and is accompanied by a low-grade fever and loss of appetite.
Asthma is not common in children under 2 years of age, unless there is a history of eczema or a family history of allergies or asthma.
When the airway or breathing passage closes, and there is wheezing or whistling, it may be asthma. It is accompanied by a runny nose, itching and watery eyes.
Treatment: When bronchiolitis occurs, the child needs plenty of water or fluids, rest, and a cool-mist humidifier in the room.
Listen carefully to the coughing and wheezing sounds, and if you think it is getting worse and the child is having difficulty breathing, take them to the doctor immediately.
If you suspect asthma, consult a doctor immediately to receive appropriate treatment, especially if you notice that you can no longer breathe and your mouth and face are turning black.
There are medications specifically for asthma, but they require a proper diagnosis. Salbutamol, for example, is given through a nebulizer, which is used for asthma.
Whooping cough: strong and frequent coughing
This cough, also called pertussis , is not accompanied by a cold or fever, but it is a serious type of cough.
This is a dangerous bacterial infection that was a common cause of infant death before the DTP vaccine was introduced in the 1960s, and was completely eradicated in America.
According to the APA, this disease is recurring and it is necessary to know the symptoms to prevent it.
Treatment: It is necessary to observe and be alert to the symptoms to prevent its occurrence. Make sure the child is vaccinated at the right time and with the right dose (Tdap or tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis booster).
If this is the type of cough you notice in your baby, take the child to the doctor immediately. This cough is contagious, so it is necessary to prescribe the antibiotic erythromycin to the household members to prevent it from spreading.
Cough symptom of pneumonia: wet and with phlegm
It is a viral or bacterial infection that attacks the lungs caused by many possible things such as a cold.
When a child has pneumonia , the sputum rattles when he coughs, he is weak, and green or yellowish mucus comes out of his nose and mouth.
Treatment: The doctor needs to know if the infection is bacterial or viral, so take the child to the doctor immediately, especially if there is a fever.
Can it be used as cough medicine for babies and children?
Image from iStock
According to Dr. Romina Geraloga, a pediatric pulmonologist at Makati Medical Center, there are home remedies for common coughs in children.
But according to him, it is still necessary to first observe what type of cough it is to know what medicine is best for the baby’s cough.
“For children, a common cough is about viruses, so when it’s a virus, there’s no need to immediately give antibiotics. So the first thing parents should do is observe what kind of cough it is, or if it’s getting worse. Second, help the child. There are home remedies that have been studied.”
Statement by Dr. Geraloga,
“There are home remedies that have been studied. Like lagundi, there are studies that say it helps soften phlegm in the lungs.”
Honey is also a good option. According to Dr. Geraloga, there are studies that show that honey helps reduce frequent coughing in children.
” And because it reduces coughing, they can sleep better. And it also reduces mucus secretion. But all of this is still being studied,” he said.
Dr. Geraloga’s reminder on giving home remedies,
“Although lagundi has been in the market since 1997 and is well established. But what is important is your child’s history. First, he or she may have asthma. If he or she has asthma, check what your doctor has instructed you. You may have medicine ready and you can nebulize the child.”
“If it’s a cough due to a virus, just increase fluid intake and rest and observe if it gets worse.”
As for the medicine for a baby’s cough, according to Dr. Geraloga, it is important to also observe the baby’s cough carefully. See what kind of cough it is. Also, see if anyone in your house has a cough.
Baby could be infected with a cough. Dr. Geraloga explains,
“Because if there is an adult who is coughing (at home) and it is severe. We should understand that the baby may have been infected with the adult’s illness.”
It could also be due to feeding, “If the baby is lying down too much, the food or milk may end up in his airway instead of the food pipe,” said Dr. Geraloga.
It is said that it is important to burp or soothe your baby. It is also important to check if he has allergies, observing the things that trigger it and cause him to cough.
Doc added,
“Did he do anything or do any activity that exposed him to dust or dustmites? You have to check your bed linens also.”
“Check to see if your bed sheets are changed regularly. Because if allergies are high in the family, it may also be possible that the child is coughing because of something triggering it.”
Finally, according to Doc, it could be an infection. It could be viral, which is usually a dry cough. It could also be a productive cough. However, it is noted that it does not become progressive or worsen, so there is no shortness of breath and no difficulty breathing.
That’s why it should be monitored. Doc’s advice on monitoring a baby’s cough,
“See if it gets worse by the speed or depth of your breathing and your frequency of coughing during the day.”
That’s why it’s still important to consult a doctor when a baby or child has a cough. To find out what the real cause is so that it can be treated immediately.
Doctors are warning parents and caregivers against giving over-the-counter drugs to their young children when they have a cold or cough. They say there is a tendency for caregivers to abuse the use of the medication, leading to side effects.
Specialists advise parents to be careful with the following children’s cough medicines:
- Decongestants or phenylephrine
- Antihistamines or chlorpheniramine
- Cough expectorants of guaifenesin
- Cough suppressants or dextromethorphan
According to Medical News Today, manufacturers of cough and cold medications are reminding parents not to give them to children under four years of age. Meanwhile, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding giving cough and cold medications to children under six years of age.
The US Food and Drugs Association article also states that there have been cases where children under the age of four have experienced serious side effects after taking cough medicine. These side effects include:
- Seizures, allergic reactions, and difficulty breathing
- Low blood potassium and blood sugar which can result in headaches, dizziness, and weakness
Home Remedies for a child’s cough
A child’s cough usually clears up in up to two weeks if it is caused by a viral infection. Caregivers can use home remedies to relieve the symptoms of a child’s cold and cough.
Make sure your child with a cough drinks plenty of clear fluids or water. Warm or slightly hot drinks can also help soothe your child’s sore throat. Just remember to make sure the liquid is cold enough for your child. In addition, put it in a suitable bottle or glass that is safe for your child to use.
Menthol rubs can be helpful for children three years and older. They can help open up the air flow in the child’s nasal passages. Your child will sleep better if his or her airways are clear. Apply a thick layer of menthol rub to your child’s chest and neck.
A cool-mist humidifier can be used to help your child breathe better. Remember not to use a warm mist humidifier as it can cause swelling in the nasal passages and make it more difficult for the child to breathe.
For children over 12 months of age, it can help reduce the severity and frequency of coughs. Use half to one teaspoon of honey, either taken directly or diluted in warm water. Do this four times a day.
-
Saline nose drops or spray
It can be used by children from birth. It can be used by babies as well as older kids. It can help clear and unclog their nasal passages and reduce the frequency of coughing caused by postnasal drip. After using a saline product, a bulb syringe can be used to remove mucus from the child’s nose.
Note: You should be concerned when
Image from iStock
- The child is less than 6 months old, and coughs frequently.
- The cough has lasted up to 8 weeks.
- The cough is getting worse, and has reached its third week.
- Baby has no appetite or is vomiting. Baby is having difficulty breathing.
- Night sweats, weight loss, and coughing up blood.
- There is laughter, but no whistling or wheezing, night or day.
- For babies under 6 months old, only breast milk or formula milk can be given. Avoid water or juice. When sleeping, lay the baby’s head on a low pillow to help him breathe when he has a cough and cold.
- Children with coughs are usually given water, juice, milk, and hot broth. Older children and adults can be given apple cider and hot chocolate, especially for an itchy throat. As mentioned, 1/2 teaspoon of honey before bed can also help relieve the pain of a cough.
- If your baby or toddler with a cough has no appetite or is reluctant to eat, offer foods that are easy to eat, swallow, or chew. These include soft foods such as mashed potatoes, ice cream (not too much), flavored gelatin, pudding, yogurt, or applesauce.
When to consult a doctor
If a child with a cough exhibits the following symptoms, consult a doctor immediately:
- Fever or temperature increase up to 38°C
- Coughing up blood
- Coughing non-stop
- Severe chest pain
- Sinking of the skin over the ribs each time you breathe
- Blackening or bluish discoloration of the lips and face when coughing
- Wheezing or high-pitched sound when breathing
- Symptoms have lasted for 10 days
- When the child is under three months old and has a fever or weakness
- When there are unusual and severe symptoms
Coughs usually resolve within seven to ten days. If a child’s cough has underlying conditions such as asthma, respiratory conditions, or a weakened immune system, they may develop complications such as pneumonia.
Therefore, if your child’s cough does not improve within seven to ten days, or if it gets worse, it is best to take them to the doctor immediately for a checkup. It is important for the doctor to examine the child so that appropriate treatment can be given.
Republished with permission from theAsianParent Philippines
