How to treat a Child's Cough

Over the course of 2 years the Federal Drug administration has elected to take every over the counter (OTC) product off the market for use in children 4 and under. However, with proper advice from your pharmacist or physician and tips from this article you should be able to treat your child's cough and provide temporary relief.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Delsym (dextromethorphan)
• honey
• nasal suction
• room humidifier
• Nasal saline
• Tylenol or Ibuprofen

1. 
    

   Every parent has had to deal with a child's cough. The first step is to assess your child's cough. Does the cough sound like their is phlegm in the chest? Or is it a dry hacking cough?

2. If you hear phlegm (mucus) in the chest give the child plenty of clear fluids and juices to thin and break it apart. You can also rub some vick's vaporub on the childs chest to help open the airways. You can give the child some tylenol for comfort and add a humidifier to the room. If the cough is consistently bothering the child consider Delsym or honey to help stop the cough. Be sure to ask the pharmacist for the appropriate dose for your child. Honey should only be used in those children older than 1 year of age.

3. 
    

   If the child has a dry cough add a humidifier to the room for moisture. Consider giving the child Delsym or honey to stop the cough. Tylenol or Motrin can be used to comfort the child and prevent a sore throat. Once again make sure to ask your healthcare professional for the appropriate dose.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a nasal bulb to suction the nose to open up the airways
• Make sure the child has plenty of rest to boost his/her immune response
• There is very little evidence that cough medications in children work
• If the child spits the medicine up do not administer another dose

Resources

• Treating Your Child's Cold: A Review
• Treating Diaper Rashes
• Treating Ear Aches
• Immunizations and Children