A chronic cough is a cough that lasts for more than eight weeks. It can be caused by a variety of things, including allergies, asthma, reflux, and infections.
There are a number of home remedies that may help soothe a chronic cough in kids. These include:
- Drinking warm fluids. This will help loosen mucus and soothe a sore throat. Good options include water, tea, chicken broth, or warm milk with honey.
- Using a humidifier. This will add moisture to the air, which can help loosen mucus and make coughing easier.
- Taking a warm bath or shower. The steam from the water can help loosen mucus and open up the airways.
- Giving your child honey. Honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing. However, honey should not be given to children under the age of one year because of the risk of botulism.
- Sucking on hard candy or cough drops. This can help to suppress the cough reflex.
- Gargling with salt water. This can help to soothe a sore throat. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water.
- Getting plenty of rest. This will help your child’s body heal.
In addition to these home remedies, there are a few other things you can do to help your child with a chronic cough:
- Keep your child’s room cool and humidified.
- Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids.
- Avoid smoking around your child.
- Make sure your child gets plenty of rest.
If your child’s cough is severe or does not improve after a few days, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Here are some additional tips for helping your child with a chronic cough:
- Identify the cause of the cough. This will help you determine the best treatment options.
- Treat the underlying condition. If the cough is caused by an infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. If the cough is caused by allergies, your doctor may recommend allergy medication.
- Use over-the-counter cough medicine. Over-the-counter cough medicines can help suppress the cough reflex and make it easier to breathe. However, these medicines should not be used for more than a few days.
- Get plenty of rest. This will help your child’s body heal.
If you are concerned about your child’s cough, talk to your doctor. They can help you determine the cause of the cough and recommend the best treatment options.