A cough is your body's way of keeping your airways clear. Typically, a cough occurs when a child gets the common cold or flu. A cough can last as long as two to three weeks, according to MedlinePlus. Since cold medicine isn't recommended for kids younger than 2, parents often turn to cold remedies to ease a child's cough. Always discuss a potential cough treatment with your child's pediatrician.
Honey
Drinking warm lemon water with honey might be as effective as cough suppressants, reports MayoClinic.com. Mix up to 2 tsp. honey with warm lemon water before bed. You can repeat this as needed to ease a cough in kids. Never give honey to children younger than 1 year. Honey for kids this age poses an increased risk for botulism, according to MayoClinic.com.
Moist Air
Dry air makes your child's cough worse. Ease your child's cough by using a cool-mist vaporizer, recommends MayoClinic.com. Place the vaporizer in your child's room. Place it away from clothing and bedding. Getting the vaporizer too close promotes mold growth. Also, read the manufacture instructions. Follow the cleaning recommendations. Usually, this involves replacing the water daily to prevent bacteria and mold growth.
Steamy Shower
Another remedy for easing a child's cough is creating a warm steamy room. The bathroom is the best place. Turn the facet to hot and allow steam to build up in the room. After several minutes, sit in the room with your child. Leave the room and repeat this process as needed to provide cough relief. You can also take your child outside briefly to further clear his airways.
Medical Attention
There are times when your child's cough warrants medical attention. If your child is coughing up yellow or green phlegm or experiences wheezing, seek medical attention. Shortness of breath or difficultly breathing requires emergency care. If your child has a fever over 100 degrees, contact your doctor, recommends MayoClinic.com. For younger children, watch for lethargy or changes in eating or drinking habits. If your child refuses to eat or drink, contact her doctor right away. Avoid giving your child juice or soda, which irritates a cough.
