7 Tips to Help Ease Kids Cough
When your little one has a cough, it can be so hard, and coughs can linger for weeks! Because coughs can be so long-lasting, let’s get you some protocols to help shorten the duration and intensity of the illness.
You can ease your kiddo’s constant coughs and help them feel better by trying the following tips.
You’ve got this!
Avoid Dairy
Dairy products can increase mucus production, leading to post-nasal drip and worsening a cough. Reducing or avoiding dairy can help lessen mucus build-up and reduce coughing spells, especially if your child is experiencing a wet cough.
Make Homemade Cough Syrup
Over-the-counter cough syrups can be dangerous for young children, so the FDA recommends avoiding any over-the-counter (OTC) cough or cold medicine for children under 2.
No matter their age, a simple and effective homemade remedy can work wonders. Here’s a recipe you can try:
- Boil 3 tablespoons of flaxseeds in 1 cup of water until it becomes thick.
- Strain the mixture and add 3 tablespoons each of lemon juice and agave syrup (for children under 1 year) or honey (for children over 1 year).
- Give 1 tablespoon as needed for cough suppression and to ease discomfort.
Try Honey for Cough
If your child is over 1 year of age, consider honey alone. This can be one of the simplest recommendations but can be very helpful. Honey has natural antibacterial properties and can soothe the throat, reducing the urge to cough.
Use Cold Wet Socks
We call this protocol Magic Socks and often use it for fevers. But Magic Socks is a natural therapy that can also be used for cough, congestion, runny nose, and more! It is a powerful at-home treatment that works like magic to help stimulate the immune system and reduce coughing! The process involves soaking a pair of cotton socks in cold water, wringing them out, and then placing them on your child’s feet before covering them with dry wool socks.
Utilize Humidifiers and Nebulizers
These simple home remedies can be incredibly helpful for lingering coughs. A cool mist humidifier can add moisture to the air, helping keep your child’s airways moist and reducing coughing. A nebulizer filled with normal saline can calm the inflammation in your child’s mucous membrane and allow their body to begin to heal.
Try Contrast Hydrotherapy for Cough
For children over 2, contrast hydrotherapy using hot and cold water can help ease a kid’s cough. This therapy involves alternating between warm and cold compresses on the chest and back to help reduce congestion and stimulate the immune system.
Use These Natural Medicines for Cough
Instead of OTC cough medicines, stock your medicine cabinet with these natural remedies to help ease a cough.
Black Elderberry Nighttime Syrup – an herbal remedy known for its ability to fight viruses and calm the nervous system.
RespiGuard Glycerite – a natural herbal remedy that supports healthy respiratory tract, immune system, and mucus membranes.
Antimonium Tartaricum 200CK – a homeopathic remedy that’s useful for thick mucus and unproductive coughs.
NAC (N-acetylcysteine) – this supplement is a precursor to glutathione, which is a powerful antioxidant that helps to clear mucus and reduce inflammation in the lungs.
When to See a Doctor About a Kid’s Cough
Many coughs are mild and can be treated at home. But it’s important to know when to seek medical attention. Call a doctor, especially when a cough is causing breathing difficulties.
Other concerning symptoms that may need medical attention include:
- Cough in a child < 3 months that is alarming
- Cough in a child >3 months that lasts 7-14 days
- Working too hard to breath
- Breathing too fast
- Wheezing
- Cough accompanies any of the following:
- Pale face
- Blue lips
- Dehydration
- Coughing up blood
- Vomiting after cough
- Fever greater than 102°F
If your child has a cough, we are so sorry. Dealing with a cough can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can help ease their discomfort and speed up their recovery.
Remember, you’ve got this!
We’re sure your little one will be feeling better soon!
