Coughing is a common sign of colds, allergies and sinus infections in children. Not only can it make them uncomfortable but it can also disrupt their sleep pattern and stop them from playing normally.
Though a cough may seem like an unwelcome side effect of colds, home remedies can help alleviate symptoms and keep your little one healthy and content.
Salt water gargle
Sore throats are one of the first warning signs of illness, usually a cold or flu. While they usually resolve themselves within a few days, they can be uncomfortable and make eating or swallowing difficult.
If you’re searching for a natural remedy to combat your cough, salt water gargle may be just what the doctor ordered. According to one clinical study, kids who used the salt water gargle three times per day had a 40% lower likelihood of contracting an upper respiratory infection than other participants in the study.
Salt water gargles are cost-effective and simple to make – only two ingredients needed: water and salt. That makes them perfect for children of any age who may struggle with using oral medication.
Elevating the head
Elevating the head can help alleviate congestion, loosen mucus, and prevent coughing fits while sleeping. This is especially beneficial for kids suffering from colds, flu, or sinusitis.
Sleeping with your head elevated helps prevent postnasal drip, which occurs when mucus collects in the back of the nose and runs into your throat. Lying flat can make this worse as gravity pulls the mucus back down into your throat, leading to a cough.
Elevating the head can also improve snoring, an annoying sleep condition that can disrupt your partner’s rest and cause a restless night. A commercial for an adjustable mattress states that people’s snoring is reduced when they sleep with their chin up as this allows their airway to open and promote better breathing.
Cold air
If your child’s cough is due to nasal congestion or postnasal drip, a cool-mist humidifier (also known as vaporizer) may help soothe their symptoms. These devices are easy to set up and secure for children to use;
Friesen emphasizes the benefits of cold air for keeping mucus in the nose from drying out and making it easier to breathe. When selecting a humidifier for children, make sure it’s safe for them to use and clean regularly.
If your child’s cough isn’t bothering them or is not associated with other symptoms like fever, then there likely won’t be any need for medication or home remedies. Many kids who are dealing with colds are contented, playing well and sleeping soundly at night.
Foods to avoid
If your child is experiencing a persistent cough, it could be due to a cold or another infection. If their symptoms do not improve within one week or the cough becomes more intense, they should see their GP for further evaluation.
If your child has an infection that is not due to a cold virus, antibiotics may be needed for treatment. Antibiotics are effective against bacterial illnesses such as bronchitis, pneumonia and skin infections.
Coughs may also be caused by air pollution, which irritates the nose and airways. Tobacco smoke, car exhaust, smog are common triggers.
Honey
Honey has been used for centuries as a remedy to combat coughs in kids. It also boasts antibacterial properties that help kill off bacteria that could be causing your cough.
Studies have discovered that honey may be more effective than over-the-counter medications in treating common cold-like illnesses, such as upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). Not only is the substance cost-effective and free from side effects, but researchers believe there to be other potential uses for its properties as a disinfectant and antibiotic.
Natural treatment for symptoms such as coughing, blocked noses and sore throats.
However, it’s best to avoid giving honey to children under one year of age because it may contain Clostridium botulinum, a bacteria which can lead to infant botulism – an uncommon but serious illness.