Cough in Children

Cough is a common problem, not only in children, but in adults too. Sometimes cough is caused due to sudden change in weather, this kind of cough does not need to be worried about. But sometimes some children have a problem of persistent cough. Beside these, there are many other types of cough, obviously caused due to various reasons. The treatment depends on the type of cough. If there is no major medical condition responsible for cough, it can be treated at home itself. There are also many over-the-counter medicines available, but it is better not to give them without a doctor's prescription. Wondering what causes cough? The following are the common causes of cough in children, followed by various remedies for cough.

Causative Factors for Cough

• Bronchiolitis: Bronchiolitis is a viral infection that generally follows a cold. Coughing, difficulty in breathing, wheezing, etc. are some of its symptoms.
• Allergic rhinitis: Allergic rhinitis is a postnasal drip syndrome, in some cases, it is a seasonal problem.
• Croup: Croup is a medical condition caused due to a virus, this is one of the main reason of cough at night.
• Pneumonia: Pneumonia is a respiratory disease. Cough is one of its main symptoms, it is often accompanied with fever.
• Environmental Irritants: Many times cough is caused due to irritants like smoke, air pollution and strong smells.
• Gastroesophageal reflux: If the child is suffering from gastroesophageal reflux, the stomach acid might come up to the gullet and spill over the windpipe, which can cause cough.
• Sinusitis: As you must be knowing, sinusitis can cause cough along with cold.

Natural Remedies for Cough

Honey: Whether it is toddler or adult cough, honey is the first and most effective home remedy. Give your child 1 tsp of pure honey everyday. You can add a pinch of grounded white pepper to honey, for quick relief. Give this mixture thrice a day, for about 4 - 5 days to get rid of persistent cough in children, as well as adults. This treatment will also help you to get rid of scratchy throat.

Steam: This is one of the best cough remedies for children. Steam helps to clear the mucus, thus helping to stop cough. If your child is too small to take steam, don't worry, as there is an easier way. Turn on the hot water shower of your bathroom and then lock the bathroom for about 10 - 15 minutes, this will help in build steam. When there is enough steam, turn off the shower and make your child sit in the bathroom for about 20 minutes, this will help him breathe easier.

Chicken or Ginger Soup: Chicken soup is a popular remedies for coughing. It helps to soothe the throat. Even ginger soup helps to relieve throat pain and stop cough. To make ginger soup, boil three-four cloves of garlic in one cup of water. Feed warm. Garlic will help to open the respiratory passages, it also has antispasmodic properties.

Saline Drops: If the child is suffering from congestion along with cough, this remedy will surely provide him relief. Mix a little salt in water, or buy saline drops from the market and put it in both the nostrils of the child. After about a minute, ask him to blow out the nose. Repeat this remedy twice a day for about three days.

This was all about cough in children. Do try to avoid over-the-counter cough medicines, as not all of them are completely safe. The above mentioned home remedies for cough can be used instead. And if the cough is due to a specific medical condition like asthma, do consult your doctor.