Coughing uncontrollably can be not only uncomfortable, but it can also be scary for a child. Knowing the cause of the coughing can help you provide the best remedy and know when to take her to the doctor or hospital.
Identification
A nonstop racking or hard cough can be present with bronchitis, asthma, croup and colds.
Warning
Always talk with your child's pediatrician before giving him or her medicine. Don't give honey to children under 2 years of age. In most cases, doctors don't advise giving children over-the-counter cough suppressants. If the child has blue-tinged lips or is complaining of being dizzy or light-headed, go to the emergency room or call 911.
Prevention/Solution
If the cough is productive (phlegm or mucus comes out when coughing), use a humidifier to moisten the air around the child and give the child as much liquids as you can (chicken broth or soup and apple juice for instance) with one caveat: If the child starts vomiting when coughing, reduce the intake.
Considerations
If the cough could be described as barking and the child sounds hoarse, take her into the bathroom and turn on the shower really hot (don't put her in). Let the steam build up and keep her in there supervised for 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat as needed. The steam and heat will help calm the bronchial tubes.
Significance
If there are no other symptoms such as fever, runny nose or other cold symptoms and the coughing episodes come and go, consider taking your child to the doctor for possible allergy-induced asthma. This condition generally happens when a person is allergic to pollen or animal dander.
Writer Bio
Kim Leslie has been writing for twelve years and holds degrees from Maryville College and the University of Tennessee. She has written for "Resource Recycling Magazine," "State Laws Recycling Update," "Recycling Laws International" and "Watermarks". She has knowledge of Lupus, GERDs, science education, environmental issues, eldercare, parenting, Pilates and yoga.
Image Credit
Courtesy of Mysid on Wikimedia Commons