It’s the middle of the night and you’re woken up again by the sound of your child’s horrible cough. You hate seeing your little one sick, so you naturally want to do everything you can to help them.
Conditions such as croup, asthma, allergies, and the common cold can cause children to cough, especially at bedtime.
On pharmacy shelves there are many options for treating children’s colds and coughs. While the instinct might be to reach for one to relieve your cough, there may be safer, gentler home remedies that work better, too.
“Coughing is the body’s way of getting rid of substances in the throat and lungs, which helps you feel better,” said Gina Montion, DOCTOR, a pediatrician at Banner Children’s.
If your child’s nasty cough has you (and you) awake at night, read on to understand more about the safety of children’s cough medicines and natural ways to treat them.
Are cough medicines safe for children?
Dr. Montion warns parents about using cough medications in children.
“Over-the-counter cough and cold medications have no evidence that they are effective in treating coughs. Even worse, they can have dangerous and unwanted side effects,” he said.
This is why the American Academy of Pediatrics and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration do not recommend these over-the-counter medications for infants and children under 4 years of age. In fact, some cough medicines have ingredients that can be risky, such as:
- Dextromethorphan (DMX): In many cough syrups, DMX can cause side effects such as dizziness, confusion, and hallucinations. In rare cases, it can cause serotonin syndrome, a life-threatening condition.
- Codeine: Some cough medicines may contain codeine, an opioid. This medication can cause breathing problems, which is very worrying for children.
- Decongestants: Pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine, commonly found in cold and cough medicines, can increase children’s heart rate and blood pressure.
For children over 4 years old, do not give over-the-counter medications unless you have checked with your child’s healthcare provider first. Be sure to read cough medicine labels carefully. Always adhere to the recommended dosage and age limits listed on the package.
Ways to treat your child’s cough without medication
Most school-age children get several colds a year. Many last from a few days to two weeks. Although time is often the best medicine, there are things you can do to help them feel more comfortable.
Drink fluids
One of the simplest and most effective ways to relieve a cough is to make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids. This helps soothe the throat and prevent dehydration. They can drink water, clear broths and decaffeinated infusions.
honey magic
For children over 2 years old, Dr. Montion recommended 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey before bed and again every two hours, if necessary.
Humidify the air
Dry air can make cough worse, especially at night. Using a cool mist humidifier in your child’s room adds moisture to the air, which helps calm his or her airways. Be sure to clean the humidifier regularly to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.
Prepare a hot shower
Inhaling steam from a warm shower or bath can help loosen mucus and relieve cough. Be safe around water and never leave small children alone in the bathroom.
raise your head
Raise your child’s head with an extra pillow to help with drainage while they sleep. Place a rolled towel under the mattress (no more than 30 degrees) for infants and babies. Do not put pillows in bed with your baby.
Hold on
You can use a Nariz Frida or a similar nose aspirator for infants to gently clear a congested or runny nose.
Relieve pain and fever.
Acetaminophen and ibuprofen (Tylenol and Motrin/Advil) for children can be used to reduce fever and pain. Carefully read and follow the product instructions or ask your child’s healthcare provider for help.
Gargling with salt water
For older children, your child can gargle with warm salt water to help relieve a scratchy throat and tickly cough.
Stay home and rest
Don’t rush them back to school or daycare. Make sure your child stays home and gets enough sleep to help his or her body recover. “Viral diseases are most contagious during the first week,” Dr. Montion said. “After that, they can return when their cough is less frequent and does not disrupt class.”
When should you call your child’s provider?
Talk to your child’s provider if you have any concerns about your child’s cough and cold symptoms.
“Take your child to be checked if their symptoms do not improve (or if their cough continues) after two weeks,” Dr. Montion said.
Your child should also be seen sooner if they have the following symptoms:
- Breathing problems: If your child has trouble breathing or shows signs of respiratory distress, call 911.
- Chest pain when breathing: If your child complains of chest pain when coughing, make an appointment with your provider.
- Wheezing: Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound that occurs during breathing and may suggest problems with your airways. Make an appointment with your child’s provider.
- A barking cough similar to that of a seal: A loud, barking cough could be a sign of croup, which can be dangerous for young children. Call your provider right away.
- High or prolonged fever: Call your provider if your child’s fever is 102 degrees Fahrenheit or higher (infants two months and older) or 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (infants two months or younger).
Always trust your instincts as a parent. If you are concerned about your child’s health, you should consult with a provider to rule out any serious problems.
Bottom line
While cough medicine may seem like the best option to combat your child’s persistent cough, time is the best (and safest) medicine. There are simple natural remedies that can often provide relief without the potential risks associated with cough medications.
And, as always, contact your child’s healthcare provider or a Banner Children’s specialist if you have any questions or concerns.
If your child is taking over-the-counter medications, read the labels carefully and follow the dosage and age limits recommended on the package. Call the Banner Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 or 602-253-3334 if your child overdoses on cough or cold medicine and have the bottle handy.