A child with a tight cough and fever is alarming. Usually a fever is caused by either a viral or bacterial infection. However, it's important to monitor your child closely. Recognizing potential red flags will help determine when to get your child help. Also, you can take some steps to make your child more comfortable during her illness.
Steamy Room
Relieve your child's cough by creating a steamy room. Turn your shower to hot. Leave your bathroom for several minutes, until the room is steamy. Then, come back and sit with your child for a couple of minutes. Never leave a child alone in the bathroom. Exit the bathroom after a few minutes. Your child's tight cough should be a little better. Clear airways even further by stepping outdoors for a few seconds.
Honey
Cough medicine isn't recommended for children under 2. And, its effectiveness is being questioned by the Food and Drug Administration for older children. Honey, however, is an effective cough suppressant, reports MayoClinic.com. For children over the age of one, mix about 2 tsp. honey with warm water and lemon. Never give honey to a child age one or younger. It increases risk for infant botulism.
Fever Reducers
Before giving your child a fever reducer, consult her doctor. For a low-grade fever, fever reducers such as acetaminophen aren't usually recommended. However, if your child has a fever of 102 degrees or higher, your doctor might recommend it. Never administer aspirin to your feverish, coughing child. This medicine puts children at risk for Reye's syndrome, a serious and potentially fatal condition.
Coughing Red Flags
There are times when a tight cough and fever is a reason to seek medical attention. If your child has a fever of 102 degrees or higher or coughs so hard she's throwing up, contact her doctor. For children under the age of 2, a fever of 101 degrees or higher is reason for concern. Also, if your child has difficulty breathing, seek medical attention. A child who is unresponsive or refuses to eat and drink also are red flags.
