How to Get Rid of a Cough in Kids

Children become ill with a cough for a variety of reasons. Coughs develop from the common cold, asthma or pneumonia. The act of coughing clears the windpipe and lungs from blockage. Also considered a natural defense mechanism, coughing protects the body from smoke and mucus. While adults suffering from cough use suppressants, expectorants, decongestants and antihistamines, children cannot. Some cough and cold medicines present serious risks to children. Natural home remedies and child specific medicine must be used to get rid of a cough in kids.

Instructions

• 1

  Drink plenty of fluids. Supply your child with lots of liquids, such as juice, water and broth. Liquids help loosen congestion that commonly causes coughing.

• 2

  Consider keeping the child home from school to allow for rest. A child with a bad cough might spread disease-ridden germs to other children. If possible, keep your child home from school and encourage rest.

• 3

  Serve ginger tea at least four times a day. Best for older children, ginger tea is commonly used to soothe cough from bronchitis. Ginger tea provides sinus relief as well as water to keep mucus thin.

• 4

  Provide a humid environment. Humidity helps to loosen mucus and allows it to leave the body through coughing. Set your child in a warm bath in a steamy bathroom or use a vaporizer at night.

• 5

  Encourage coughing. The only way to remove mucus build up is to let it out. Make sure your child is not holding back the cough. If you need to assist in coughing, place your child in a seated position on your lap. Lean his body forward a bit and gently tap his back, similar to burping.

• 6

  Massage your child's chest with oils. Rub slightly warmed coconut oil in your palms and than gently massage your kid's chest for approximately five minutes. Perform the massage before bed and follow by wrapping the child in a blanket. A coconut oil massage promotes calm and sleep.