Coughing is common in childhood illnesses and helps to clear airways and the throat. Coughs can range from mild to serious and be a nuisance or frightening. Typically, a cough accompanies a cold or viral infection. A cough can be productive, such as when phlegm is expelled, or dry and nonproductive. There are many ways to manage a cough, depending on the type.
Types
Coughs differ, depending on their cause. A barking, harsh cough is indicative of croup, according to the Kids Health website. Bronchitis or an upper-respiratory infection can cause a dry, hacking cough. Whooping cough is characterized by a hard, nonstop cough. When the child tries to breathe after a coughing session he makes a whooping noise. Allergies can cause both dry and productive coughs.
Expectorants
Expectorants are for productive coughs. They break up mucus in the lungs, bronchi and trachea by thinning the mucus and making it easier to cough up. Expectorants also relieve chest congestion, making breathing easier. Over-the-counter expectorants usually contain guaifenisin, according to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics website.
Suppressants
Suppressants ease coughing and should not be used when the cough is productive. But a dry, hacking cough can benefit from a suppressant, allowing your child get the rest she needs to overcome her illness. The active ingredient in cough suppressants is dextromethorphan. A Food and Drug Administration advisory panel cautions that cough suppressants should not be given to children under the age of 6.
Home Remedies
Honey is an effective way to treat a cough and soothe the throat but should never be given to children under the age of 2. Honey can be mixed with warm water or an herbal tea. Other hot or cool liquids can also ease coughing.
A humidifier in a child's bedroom can add moisture to the air, easing a cough and making breathing easier. Steam from a hot shower can also soothe dry airways and minimize coughing.
The University of Maryland Medical Center says that herbs, such as peppermint and eucalyptus, can loosen and break up mucus, creating a productive cough.
Considerations
Coughing is essential in getting rid of a cold or virus. A productive cough expels mucus, and a cough suppressant will sabotage the body's attempt to fight off the illness. Consult your child's pediatrician before administering any medication, as some are not safe for children. Contact the doctor immediately if the cough is persistent or gets worse or if your child has difficulty breathing.
