Coughing is a common and natural reflex that helps clear the airways of mucus, irritants, or foreign particles. However, when your child has a persistent or severe cough, it can be very distressing and disruptive for both of you. Coughing can interfere with your child’s sleep, appetite, and mood, and make them feel miserable. Coughing can have various causes, such as colds, flu, allergies, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, or whooping cough. Depending on the cause and severity of the cough, your child may need medical attention and treatment. However, some coughs can be managed at home with natural and effective remedies that can soothe the throat, loosen the mucus, and relieve the discomfort. In this blog post, we will explore the possible causes of cough in children and how to get rid of it. We will also share with you some simple home remedies that can help you get rid of cough in children with natural and effective ingredients.
What Causes Cough in Children?
Cough in children can have various causes, ranging from mild to serious. Some of the most common causes of cough in children are:
1) Colds and Flu
Colds and flu are viral infections that affect the respiratory system. They can cause coughing, along with other symptoms such as:
- runny or stuffy nose
- sore throat
- fever
- headache
- muscle ache
- fatigue
Colds and flu usually resolve on their own within a week or two. You can treat them at home by getting plenty of rest, drinking fluids, taking over-the-counter pain relievers, and using lozenges or throat sprays.
2) Allergies
Allergies are hypersensitive reactions to certain substances, such as pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, or food. They can cause coughing, along with other symptoms such as:
- sneezing
- itching
- watery eyes
- hives
- wheezing
Allergies can be treated with antihistamines, nasal sprays, eye drops, or allergy shots. You can also prevent or reduce allergic reactions by avoiding the triggers and keeping your home clean and dust-free.
3) Asthma
Asthma is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways. It can cause coughing, along with other symptoms such as:
- wheezing
- shortness of breath
- chest tightness
- trouble sleeping
Asthma can be triggered by various factors, such as allergens, infections, exercise, cold air, or stress. Asthma can be treated with inhalers, nebulizers, or oral medications that help open up the airways and reduce inflammation. You can also prevent or reduce asthma attacks by avoiding the triggers and following an asthma action plan.
4) Bronchitis
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes that carry air to and from the lungs. It can cause coughing, along with other symptoms such as:
- mucus production
- chest discomfort
- fever
- fatigue
Bronchitis can be caused by viruses or bacteria. Viral bronchitis usually goes away on its own within a week or two. Bacterial bronchitis may require antibiotics to clear the infection. You can also treat bronchitis at home by drinking fluids, using a humidifier or vaporizer, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers.
5) Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that causes inflammation and fluid buildup in the air sacs. It can cause coughing, along with other symptoms such as:
- fever
- chills
- difficulty breathing
- chest pain
Pneumonia can be caused by viruses or bacteria. Viral pneumonia usually goes away on its own within a week or two. Bacterial pneumonia may require antibiotics to clear the infection. Pneumonia can be serious and even life-threatening in some cases. You should seek medical attention if your child has trouble breathing. You should seek medical attention if your child has trouble breathing, persistent fever, chest pain, or signs of dehydration.
6) Whooping Cough
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection that causes severe coughing fits. It can cause coughing, along with other symptoms such as:
- runny or stuffy nose
- sneezing
- mild fever
- a whooping sound when breathing in
Whooping cough can be prevented by getting vaccinated. It can be treated with antibiotics if diagnosed early. However, whooping cough can be very dangerous and even fatal for young children, especially infants. You should seek medical attention if your child has a persistent or severe cough, difficulty breathing, vomiting, or blue lips or skin.
How to Get Rid of Cough in Children: Natural and Effective Home Remedies
If your child has a mild or moderate cough that is not caused by a serious condition, you may be able to treat it at home with natural and effective remedies that can soothe the throat, loosen the mucus, and relieve the discomfort. Here are some simple home remedies that can help you get rid of cough in children:
1) Honey
Honey is one of the best natural remedies for cough in children. It has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties that can help kill the germs that cause infection, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain. You can give your child a teaspoon of honey or mix it with warm water or herbal tea. Honey can also help suppress cough and improve sleep quality.
However, honey should not be given to children under the age of 1 year, as it may contain botulism spores that can cause a serious illness in infants.
2) Humidifier or Vaporizer
Using a humidifier or vaporizer can help ease your child’s cough by adding moisture to the air. Humidifiers or vaporizers help loosen mucus, which can alleviate coughs and congestion. Cool-mist humidifiers or vaporizers are recommended for children for safety reasons and are considered as effective as warm-mist ones.
Run the humidifier or vaporizer during the day while your child is awake and in the room where they sleep at night. Make sure to clean and maintain the device regularly to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
3) Salt Water
Gargling with salt water is another effective way to soothe a cough in children. Salt water can help kill bacteria, reduce swelling, and flush out irritants from the throat. You can gargle with salt water several times a day by dissolving half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Make sure your child spits out the water after gargling and does not swallow it.
4) Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is a soothing herbal drink that can help calm a cough in children. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and analgesic properties that can help reduce inflammation, relax the muscles, and ease pain. You can give your child chamomile tea several times a day by steeping a chamomile tea bag or some dried chamomile flowers in hot water for 5 minutes. You can also add some honey or lemon juice for extra flavor and benefits.
5) Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is another natural remedy that can help treat a cough in children. Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial and antiseptic properties that can help fight infection and balance the pH level of the throat. It can also help loosen mucus and clear the airways. You can give your child apple cider vinegar by mixing two tablespoons of it with a cup of warm water. You can also add some honey or lemon juice.
6) Garlic
Garlic is a powerful natural antibiotic that can help kill the germs that cause a cough in children. It also has anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties that can help fight infection and speed up healing. You can give your child garlic by crushing a clove of garlic and spreading it on some bread or crackers. You can also make garlic tea by boiling some chopped garlic in water for 10 minutes and adding some honey or lemon juice.
7) Baking Soda
Baking soda is another natural remedy that can help soothe a cough in children. Baking soda can help neutralize the acid that causes heartburn and reflux. It can also help kill bacteria and reduce inflammation in the throat. You can give your child baking soda by mixing half a teaspoon of it with a cup of warm water. You can also add some honey or lemon juice.
8) Mustard Powder
Mustard powder is a spicy condiment that can help treat a cough in children. Mustard powder has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that can help reduce inflammation and kill germs in the throat. It can also help stimulate blood circulation, relax muscles, and ease pain. You can make a hot compress with mustard powder by mixing one tablespoon of it with some hot water. Soak a cloth in this mixture and wring it out. Place the cloth on your child’s chest for 15 to 20 minutes. You can repeat this process once or twice a day.
9) Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is another natural remedy that can help soothe a cough in children. Coconut oil has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties that can help kill the germs that cause infection, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain. You can give your child coconut oil by consuming a spoonful of it or mixing it with warm water or herbal tea. Coconut oil can also help moisturize, soften, and heal the throat.
10) Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice that has many health benefits, including soothing a cough in children. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antioxidant properties that can help fight infection, reduce inflammation, and prevent damage to the throat. You can give your child turmeric milk by adding a teaspoon of turmeric powder and some honey to a glass of warm milk. You can also gargle with turmeric water by adding half a teaspoon of turmeric powder to a cup of warm water.
How to Prevent Cough in Children?
Cough in children can be prevented by avoiding the triggers and factors that cause it. Some of the ways to prevent cough in children are:
- Drink plenty of water to keep the throat hydrated.
- Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke.
- Avoid spicy, acidic, or carbonated foods and drinks that can irritate the throat.
- Avoid allergens and irritants that can trigger the cough.
- Eat foods that boost the immune system and prevent infections.
- Avoid talking loudly or shouting that can strain the throat muscles.
- Use a humidifier or vaporizer to moisten the air in your home or office.
- Wear a scarf or mask to protect the throat from cold or dry air.
- Avoid contact with people who have a cough or other respiratory infections.
- Wash your hands frequently and practice good hygiene.
Conclusion
Coughing is a common and natural reflex that helps clear the airways of mucus, irritants, or foreign particles. However, when your child has a persistent or severe cough, it can be very distressing and disruptive for both of you. Coughing can interfere with your child’s sleep, appetite, and mood, and make them feel miserable. Coughing can have various causes, such as colds, flu, allergies, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, or whooping cough. Depending on the cause and severity of the cough, your child may need medical attention and treatment. However, some coughs can be managed at home with natural and effective remedies that can soothe the throat, loosen the mucus, and relieve the discomfort.
In this blog post, we have discussed the possible causes of cough in children and how to get rid of it. We have also shared with you some simple home remedies that can help you get rid of cough in children with natural and effective ingredients. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s cough, please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. We hope you found this blog post helpful and informative. Stay healthy and happy!