Cough & Cold

Cough

What is a Cough?

A cough is a common symptom of many illnesses. Coughing might sound bad, but a cough is a result of the body’s reflex for clearing out the lungs. Clearing out the lungs will keep your child from getting Pneumonia.

Your child may have a dry, hacking cough of a wet cough with mucus. Coughing for over five minutes is called a coughing spasm.

What causes a cough?

The majority of coughs are caused by a viral infection. The infection of the trachea (windpipe) is known as Tracheitis while an infection of the bronchi (larger air passages in the lungs) is called Bronchitis. Most children have viral infections as part of a cold a couple of times each year. These are usually not serious.

Homemade Cough Syrup for children over 2 yrs old (1 tsp without mixing)

Medication

  • Cough drops: These are good for children over age four because they coat the irritated throat.
  • Homemade Cough Syrup: For younger children use ½ to a full teaspoon of Honey.
  • Warm liquids for coughing spasms: Warm liquids loosen mucus. Try warm lemonade, warm apple juice or warm herbal tea. (Not for babies under 4 months old.)

Humidifiers

  • Dry air will make the cough worse. Use a humidifier to keep the air in your child’s bedroom moist.

No Exercise

  • Exercising while you are sick tends to trigger coughing spasms. Temporarily avoid physical activity if you have Bronchitis.

Avoid Smoke

  • Don’t allow anyone to smoke around your child

When should I call my child’s doctor?

IMMEDIATELY IF:

  • Breathing is still difficult after nose is cleared
  • Breathing is labored while not coughing
  • Your child’s acts like he or she is getting sicker

CALL DURING OFFICE HOURS IF:

  • A fever over (100° F - 38.7° C) lasts longer than three days
  • The cough lasts more than three weeks
  • Any concerns or questions

Cold Treatment

  1. ASPIRATE THE NOSE

    Materials

    • Use a BULB SYRINGE and SALINE SOLUTION (Brand names include Ocean, Little Noses Saline, Salinex, Pediamist)

    How to aspirate the nose

    • Put 2-3 drops of the saline solution in each nostril, then suction out with the bulb syringe

    When

    • Perform before feeding and at bedtime

    For Mom

    • Don’t worry, it is normal for the baby to cry while nose is aspirated

  2. COOL MIST HUMIDIFIER

    • Place next to child’s bed

  3. KEEP THE CHILD’S HEAD ELEVATED

  4. LIQUIDS

    • Add water to baby’s milk