Children tend to get sick often, and coughing is one of the most common symptoms of illness. Coughs, as awful as they sound, are signs that the body is working to fight off infection and protect the lungs. Even with this in mind, it’s difficult as a parent to see your child experience discomfort from coughing, particularly when it interferes with sleep. Learn about different types of coughs and how homeopathic children’s cough medicine and other at-home remedies can provide relief for your child.
Why Is My Child Coughing at Night?
Infections, allergies and environmental irritants can all cause coughing. When the body senses an invader in the lungs or throat, it triggers coughing as a way to clear the airway. Regardless of the cause, coughing worsens at night due to sleep position and lack of moisture in the air. Lying flat allows mucus to collect in the back of the throat leading to increased coughing. An overly dry room can also exacerbate a cough.
How Can I Stop My Child From Coughing Through the Night?
Your approach depends on the type of cough and its underlying cause. Coughs generally come in two forms: wet or dry.
A wet cough produces mucus or phlegm. Cold and flu are the most common culprits of a wet cough, though bacterial infections are a possible cause, too. Reduce nighttime coughing with natural remedies such as homeopathic medicine for wet cough, steaming showers, and plenty of hydration. Elevate your child’s head with extra pillows to prevent mucus from settling into the throat. Offer hot tea with honey to soothe throat irritation.
A dry cough does not produce mucus and is often caused by an upper respiratory infection. Dry coughs can stick around for a while leading to chest discomfort or a sore throat. In addition to homeopathic cough medicine, use a humidifier in your child’s room. Provide sore throat relief by teaching your child to gargle saltwater. Throat lozenges with honey are also a good option as long as your child is old enough to use them without choking.
What Do I Do If My Child’s Cough Is Persistent?
Coughs usually clear up within a week, but some can last for three weeks or more. Get a good handle on how to get rid of a lingering cough by giving your child nutritious foods, encouraging physical activity, promoting good sleep habits and employing natural cough remedies.
Some persistent coughs can indicate a serious or chronic condition. Consult a medical professional if you have concerns about your child’s cough.
When Should I Call the Doctor?
Many coughs resolve on their own or with natural at-home interventions. However, you should contact your child’s healthcare provider for the following instances:
- Struggling to breath
- Turning blue
- Coughing up blood
- Wheezing when breathing out
- Making a whooping sound after coughing
Kids pick up a lot of cough-inducing illnesses throughout childhood. Build up their immune system with healthy lifestyle habits. When your child does develop a cough, use natural remedies that can shorten the cough’s duration and relieve related symptoms so you can all get a good night’s rest.
