Children can develop a cough with a number of illnesses. Some of these can be serious while others are mild. Regardless of the cause, a cough is usually just a symptom of the illness and it can be remedied. Soothing a cough doesn't necessarily treat the underlying issue, but it can make a child more comfortable until the illness subsides. ChildrensHospital.org says a cough is one of the most frequently occurring symptoms of illness in children. The hospital points out that the cough the body's natural way of clearing the airways.
Steam
A "barking" cough, also called the croup cough, occurs when a child's vocal cords are inflamed from an underlying viral infection. This cough can be improved with steam. Placing a child in a bathroom with the door shut and the shower running can provide ample steam. Treatments like this should last about 20 minutes and can be done frequently until the illness improves.
Cool-Mist
Running a cool-mist humidifier in the child's room while she sleeps can help moisturize the air she breathes. Moist air is less likely to irritate the throat or sinuses during the illness, which can diminish coughing. The University of Michigan says that dry air can actually exacerbate a cough.
Fluids
Providing plenty of cool fluids, like non-citrus juice or water, can thin mucus and make a cough more productive. Dry, unproductive coughs can be painful for children. Even though coughing up mucus is uncomfortable, it can provide greater relief to a child than dry coughing. Fluids are also important for improving the underlying illness, suggests ChildrensHospital.org.
Cough Drops
Depending on the age of the child, a cough drop may help lubricate the throat and improve coughing. This is especially helpful cases where the child is experiencing persistent throat itching. Cough drops should not be used in very young children, as they are a choking hazard. The University of Michigan suggests drops can be used in children over the age of six and hard candies can be used in place of cough drops. Medicated cough drops should only be used in children under the advice of a medical professional.
Honey
The University of Michigan recommends 1/2 to 1 tsp. of honey for children over one year of age. The honey can thin the sinus secretions and loosen the cough. In addition, warm fluids, such as herbal tea with honey, can also be soothing to the throat and cough. Children can't tolerate the same temperature of fluids as adults, so it is important to test the warmth.
