Treatments for a Cough in Children

A variety of illnesses can cause a child to cough. It's important to know the source of the cough in order to properly treat it. Medication can calm a cough and make it easier for your child to sleep---check with your pediatrician before administering any medication.

Croup

• Croup is a virus that causes children to cough in a barking sound that resembles a dog or a seal. The virus cannot be treated with antibiotics, but a doctor can prescribe prednisone to open the airways and help the child breathe easier. Parents can also contact their doctor to inquire about the correct dose of cough medicine to administer to their child. The doctor may not feel the child needs the cough medicine at all, but it is best to ask. Croup is usually worse at night. If the child is having trouble breathing, take him to the emergency room.

Asthma

• Asthma is a condition that causes the airways to swell, and in extreme cases, close up. Children who suffer from it can experience bouts of coughing. The best way to cure this type of cough is to treat the asthma. A doctor may prescribe an inhaler to use when symptoms strike. The doctor can also put the child on a long-term medication that will keep asthma symptoms at bay. If the child has a mild cough, some cough drops will suffice.

Cold or Flu

• If your child is suffering from cold or flu, a cough may be one of the symptoms. Home remedies such as a cup of tea or a bowl of chicken noodle soup may calm a cough. The opposite is also true: if you give a child a cold glass of water or apple juice, it may make the cough worse. Use a humidifier to keep coughing at bay during the night. Moisture in the air will make it easier for your child to breathe. Place a few cough drops beside your child's bed so he or she won't have to get up if one is needed. If coughing persists, have your pediatrician recommend a cough syrup, which can be taken every four to six hours as needed.

Acid Reflux

• Acid reflux causes children to cough. The muscle at the bottom of the esophagus doesn't close all the way, thus allowing some acid to re-enter the esophagus and set off a coughing reflex. For immediate relief, children can eat Tums or Rolaids according to label directions. For long-term treatment, a doctor may prescribe medication such as Zantac. It comes in liquid form and is taken twice a day. Children with this disorder often outgrow it and may not need treatment as an adult.