Those Nasty Coughs

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How do you manage your child’s nasty cough triggered by an upper respiratory viral illness? Coughs are a frequent companion to a child’s viral illness. They can be disruptive to sleep and make your child miserable. Most coughs are viral in nature. Therefore, antibiotics are not useful for treating viral coughs.

However, occasionally coughs can be associated with a bacterial infection which is usually accompanied by a higher prolonged fever or lasts beyond a week without improvement. Some children may experience viral induced asthma in association with a viral infection. In either of these situations you would need to contact your health care provider for further treatment. In addition, if your child has breathing or swallowing difficulties or vomiting accompanying their cough, they need to be evaluated by a health care provider.

So what can you as a parent do to address a viral cough? The recommended at home treatment by the American Academy of Pediatrics for children over one year of age is 1-2 teaspoons of honey at bedtime depending on age of the child (younger children a smaller dose, older children the larger dose). Honey has natural antioxidant and antimicrobial properties and helps to coat an irritated throat. The honey can also be mixed with warm freshly squeezed lemon water to provide extra vitamin C and immune enhancing properties.

For cough and chest congestion, doTerra Breathe Vapor Stick may be applied to the chest for children older than 2 years to help soothe coughs and congestion.

There are also homeopathic natural options for treating coughs. 

Children’s Chestal Honey Cold is a homeopathic honey based natural cough syrup for cough and mucous relief available at this FullScript link and should be taken according to age and directions on package.

Chestal Kids Meltaway Pellets is a natural homeopathic medicine that can be used for cough, minor throat irritation, and for thinning mucous. It is available at this FullScript link and should be taken according to age and directions on package.

Reminder: For your child's safety, it is recommended to purchase products directly from the manufacturer or a healthcare professional company, not third party e-commerce sites due to recent research and reports of products being tampered or adulterated on those sites.  Reference: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35947382/

Finally, always remember that if you as a parent are concerned about your child’s cough, please contact your health care provider.

Are you interested in building your child's health, wellness, and immune resilience  through holistic pediatric care? Contact Wellness 4 KIDS for a FREE Pediatric Wellness Discovery Call.