A cough is the most common symptom of childhood illness. Indeed, children in daycare on average contract eight viral respiratory infections each year, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology reports, with a cough being a symptom. When your child develops a cough, there are several different ways to approach treatment. Before treating your child's cough, however, it's important to consult your pediatrician to ensure you are using a treatment method that is both safe and appropriate for your child.
Importance of a Cough
Your child's cough plays an important role in helping your child get better. Coughing helps protect your child from developing pneumonia, for example, Seattle Children's Hospital explains, because it helps to remove mucous from deep inside her respiratory system. As such, treatment needs to based more on relieving discomfort from a cough while still allowing the cough to be productive.
Warm Fluids
One way to help increase the productivity of a cough and soothe the throat is by using warm fluids like water or low-sugar apple juice. Avoid overly sweet fluids like full-sugar fruit juices or juice concentrates. Give the child 1 to 3 tsp. four times a day. Along with warm fluids, make sure your child drinks plenty of water as long as he is showing symptoms of sickness. Staying hydrated helps your child's immune system fight off the infections causing the cough.
Honey
Honey can be used as a natural cough suppressant in lieu of over-the-counter cough medications. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests 1/2 tsp. for children aged 2 to 5, 1 tsp. for children 6 to 11 and 2 tsp. for 12 and older. Do not give honey to children younger than 2 due to risks of infant botulism. Have your child brush her teeth after you administer the honey.
Medications
Cough medications of any kind should not be given to a child age 4 or younger unless specifically prescribed by your pediatrician. Even with children older than 4, it's important to talk to your doctor before using even an over-the-counter medication for your child. Your doctor may recommend either a cough suppressant to help your child sleep and feel more comfortable, or may prescribe an expectorant to help loosen mucus and make coughs more productive.
