It is common for children at all ages to suffer from annoying coughs, especially at night. Whether the cough occurs during the day or night, it is an uncomfortable symptom. Usually, coughing is not a disease on its own but a symptom caused by conditions like colds, flu, or sometimes acid reflux.
It’s important to try natural home remedies before turning to cough medicines, which can have side effects harmful to children. In a special interview with pediatric consultant Dr. Amjad Nashwan, “Nadormagazine” gathered some simple home treatments to ease your child’s cough:
Try Honey with Ginger to Soothe Your Child’s Cough
Do not give honey to infants under one year old because of safety concerns. For children older than one, honey can be very effective. Studies on 568 children worldwide found that honey works as well as common cough medicines like dextromethorphan and diphenhydramine.
Use fresh grated ginger added to hot water, then strain and sweeten with honey. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce throat pain, congestion, and redness. Ginger tea is a popular remedy worldwide and can especially reduce nighttime coughing.
Use a Humidifier at Home
A home humidifier can help reduce nighttime cough by adding moisture to your child’s airways, especially the nose, before bedtime. Be sure not to add any medicinal liquids or corticosteroids to the device.
Clean the humidifier regularly to prevent mold buildup, which can harm your child’s health. Use cool mist rather than hot steam to avoid burns.
Give Your Child a Warm Bath Before Bed
A warm bath before sleep can calm nighttime coughs, especially in infants. Make sure the bathroom is free of drafts. After the bath, quickly dry your child and dress them warmly, placing them in a cozy bed to prevent them from getting cold.
Steam Inhalation with Herbal Extracts
Try exposing your child to steam from boiled herbs, such as chamomile flowers, which help open the upper respiratory tract and improve blood circulation. This reduces congestion, making it easier to breathe and loosens mucus.
Cover your child’s head with a towel while inhaling steam from the chamomile infusion, keeping a safe distance to avoid burns. Place the container on a table and hold it securely.
Massage Your Child’s Chest with Peppermint Oil
If your child is over two years old, gently rub a small amount of warm peppermint oil on their chest. Peppermint oil helps reduce cough and congestion, easing breathing difficulties and discomfort. Its aroma also improves airflow through the nasal passages and can promote better sleep and relieve flu symptoms like muscle aches.
If your child is severely congested and struggling to breathe, add two teaspoons of peppermint oil to a bowl of hot water, cover with a towel, and carefully let your child inhale the steam to clear nasal passages before bedtime.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Some symptoms indicate that your child’s cough needs medical attention rather than home care. It is normal for children to have 4-6 colds a year, causing coughing. However, if the cough lasts more than three weeks or worsens, or if your child develops a “barking” cough or wheezing sounds, consult a doctor.
Also, seek medical advice if coughing occurs during physical activity, if your child is weak or sleepy, complains of ear pain, or shows signs of dehydration (such as dark urine). These require urgent medical evaluation and treatment.
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