When children suffer from cough or colds, parents immediately become worried about their condition. Giving traditional cough medicine may be a problem as there is no guarantee that they are safe. Moreover, medication cannot be given to children under the age of two.
Home Remedies for Cough in Children
Parents can rely on home remedies to stop the symptoms of cough.
- A humidifier that uses cool mist can have relaxing effect for dry cough, lulling an irritable child to sleep.
- Let the child drink freshly squeezed pineapple juice, which can help loosen the mucus that may be stored in the throat.
- Make sure that the kid drinks lots of water throughout the day to help lessen the symptoms and discomfort.
- Warm chicken soup is a popular remedy for cough in children because of its soothing properties. Scientific studies state that it helps reduce the swelling or inflammation of the upper respiratory tract.
- Saline nasal drops are safe for an infant’s delicate nasal passageway. For older children, allow the drops or sprayed solution to stay inside the nasal cavity for a minute, before gently blowing their nose.
Natural Remedies for Cough for Children
- A powerful concoction for coughs is a combination of lemon juice, honey and powdered ginger, given in spoonful every time the child undergoes a coughing fit.
- Serve lukewarm herbal tea to soothe the itchy throat. Peppermint, chamomile and ginger are ideal types to use.
- Homemade cough syrup made from honey and apple cider vinegar mixed with crushed cayenne pepper and ginger
- Run a hot bath then put a few drops of eucalyptus oil in the water. Let the child sit inside the bathroom, away from the hot shower, to allow him to inhale the steam from the bath tub.
Reasons for Cough in Children With No Other Symptoms
A cough without other symptoms can be a form of dry cough and caused by many reasons.
- It is an allergic reaction from factors in the child’s environment.
- An illness in infants and children called croup is characterized by hoarseness and harsh coughing.
- Post nasal drip is another cause of dry cough in children.
- Some cases may be brought about by pneumonia, bronchitis or lung diseases.
Causes of Cough in Children
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease can cause cough in children. Known in abbreviated form as GERD, the illness is marked by frequent regurgitation and irritability. Changes in diet and administering medicines can help heal GERD.
- Asthma is a common cause of coughing in children, due to the inflamed airways that can irritate the throat and increase the production of mucus. Stimulants can be anything from smoke to pollen.