coughing child?

Question

my daughter is one and a half, she has been up all night coughing, i know the doctor will say its just a virus (and i know hes right), but what can i do to help her, what medicine would you recommend and if you can why? thankyou

i dont smoke around her!
shes not got a temperature, just coughing really, and you know when you try and hold the cough in, she keeps doing that and it gets worse, bless her.
i want an over the counter medicine really, because i cant go out and buy funny leaves and stuff lol, but thanks anyway

Answer 1

Hi honey, nothing worse than when our babes are sick especially this time of year...........
My little one has asthma and when she has her fits of coughing I make sure she is propped up even at bed time, this stops the phlegm clogging in her throat also sit in the bathroom with the hot tap running this will open her lungs and help her to breathe easier. Over the counter meds - speak to the pharmacist but I prefer Tixylix myself.

If it persists or gets worse go straight to the doc's.

Good luck Hun, give babe a big hug from me.

Answer 2

If its a dry cough, she needs a basic tickly cough mixture like tixylix or kids pholcodine.

if its chesty, get one with an ingredient called guafenisin, its good for chesty coughs and will help bring up any mucus off the chest. You can get a guafenisin based mixture in any pharmacy.

Calpol and ibuprofen will help wih any temperature and inflammation.

Giver her her favourite juice with a tiny drop of honey in it too, will help sooth it a bi.

My daughter has just had the same thing, plus Im a pharmacy dispenser so I give advice on coughs all the time!

If it lasts for more than 3 or 4 days, pop her to the doctor, there are some nasty winter bugs going round. Hopefuly she will be fine in a few days.

Answer 3

I would recommend any over the counter cough medicine for her age and a cool mist humitifier in her room. I would still contact the doctor tomorrow to make sure it's not an infection. If anyone smokes around her make them stop as this can cause more serious health problems.

Answer 4

My 5 year old also has a cough. He seems to keep getting them lately, must be to do with damp and mild weather. I took him to doctor and was given antibiotics which got rid of it straight away but I don't think this is any good in the long term. You could try Nelsons Sootha (homeopathic syrup) available from Boots, Tescos etc. But it won't work straight away so be patient.

Also my doctor suggested putting wet washing on radiator in the childs bedroom at night. The moisture in the air stops a dry cough and also helps to break it up. Plus have the pillows up high so nothing is lying on the chest.

good luck!

Answer 5

A vaporub or similar poured onto the pillow can help to open blocked airways. make sure you read the instructions first and check with your pharmacist that it is ok for young children.

Don't worry undully you can't stop kids from picking up virus's but be aware that if the cough keeps returning you need to see a doctor. Persistant coughing is a sign of Asthma.

Answer 6

Your child is only one and a half. Your pediatrician is still the best reference. Takiing medicine should be what is appropriate for her young age. I wouldn't give my very young child anything that is not recomended by the doctor.
The cause of her cough may also be allergy or change of weather. If it's allergy, remove the cause of the allergy.
In any case, better than any medicine would be a mother's gentle touch to ease her difficult cough. Gently massage her chest and back.

Answer 7

be very careful with what you give at this age even over the counter.

Coughing is just a reflex and not the actual problem. Though it is horrid to watch.

My advice is rose-hip syrup or mullein and elecampene herb drops and use three drops three times a day in a little juice if she does not like the taste. You can get these herbs from Baldwin's 0207703 5550 and ask for Pip if you get a chance as he is really good,

Other then that, no smoking anywhere near her and no fumes from cars etc.

Answer 8

I know you dont want to go and buy herbs but really the only thing that worked for me was 1 drop lavender, 1 drop eucalyptus in 5 mls of grapeseed oil, rubbed in to chest and back after a bath. then leave the window open slightly or pop a bowl of water near the radiator to give some moist air, hope you get some sleep x

Answer 9

Boil some Ajwain and Tulsi leaves in water. Put sugar and boil till it become half of the quantity. Give in the evening. Cough will go within 3/4 days.

Answer 10

Cough is caused by a number of ailments.
It can be treated by over the counter medicines
or home remedies. More information available
at http://ailments.in/cough.html