How to Loosen a Cough in Children

A cough is a common childhood ailment that often stems from the common cold or flu. The sound of a child's cough may often be worse than the sickness that causes the cough, and coughs always seem to intensify at night. There are several different types of coughs. Identifying your child's cough is the first step in determining treatment. If your child has a dry, hard cough caused by chest congestion, loosening the congestion will make the cough more productive. Once your child begins to eliminate the phlegm, he will begin to breathe easier and feel better.

Things You'll Need

• Expectorant
• Vaporizer or humidifier
• Eucalyptus oil

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Avoid over-the-counter medications, which the American Academy of Pediatrics no longer recommends for children under the age of 4. For children over the age of 4, use an expectorant, which helps to loosen mucous, making the cough more productive. Look for cough medicine containing guaifenesin, an ingredient that acts as an expectorant. Always read labels and dosage instructions carefully.

• 2

  Refrain from using a cough suppressant, unless coughing is interfering with your child's sleep. Coughing is needed to help expel phlegm and mucous from the body.

• 3

  Keep children hydrated by having them drink plenty of water and other fluids. Water is the most natural expectorant and helps to loosen phlegm and thin out secretions. It also helps keep the throat moist, reducing coughing from a dry or itchy throat.

• 4

  Give your child a warm bath or shower before bedtime. The steam from the hot water will help loosen phlegm. Alternatively, turn the shower on to its hottest temperature and let it run for at least 10 minutes to allow the bathroom to fill with steam. Sit with your child in the bathroom and let her breathe in the steam to help loosen her cough.

• 5

  Use a warm mist vaporizer or a humidifier in your child's bedroom to add moisture to the air. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil, which has been known to help with a cough.

• 6

  Protect the child from exposure to all forms of smoke, including cigarette smoke and smoke emitted from fireplaces.

• 7

  Consult with your pediatrician if your child is struggling to breathe, has a high fever, makes a strident, wheezing or whooping noise when coughing or if the cough lasts more than three weeks.