Helping the Cough

Updated on October 16, 2008
M.R. asks from Chicago, IL
4 answers

Is there anything I can do to help my son who has recovered from a cold but is still coughing quite a bit? He doesn't cough all that much...except in the middle of the night for a few minutes. It wakes him up and I'm sure it bothers him because I can hear him coughing and hacking through the monitor. He can't be comfortable.

Things we have tried:
-the nightly 'steam out' in the bathroom
-using a humidifier nightly
-using the vicks vapo-relief in the humidifier cup
-daily probiotics and proper nutrition

Things we are not willing to try:
-we're hesitant to disturb his sleep in any way, because if we rush in there he is sure to wake up and be up for good
-chiropractic techniques; just not interested
-Vick's on the feet with socks or on the chest (he takes off his socks in the crib and would try to eat the Vicks if on his chest)

Is this just something that he'll eventually get over once all the excess saliva and phlegm works its way out of his throat? After careful examination, our pediatrician is not concerned about the cough, so really I would like to find a way to ease the coughing to make him more comfortable. Thanks!

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T.C.

answers from Chicago on

I have an article about giving honey to children since meds are no longer appropriate if you would like me to email it to you let me know. I know back years ago that was what my great auntie gave me in some tea when I was sick and it helped and tasted good at the same time!

Another option to Vicks is putting it on his back between the shoulder blades.

Also, I noticed that I am waking up more and more recently with the cold weather with a dry hacking cough and irritated nose. I started to use saline drops for my nose and keep water in my bedroom and it helps. Can you do a sippy cup in the crib?

Isnt it awful seeing your little one sick! Ohhhhhhhhh I hated that so much with my son and so far have been lucky with my daughter! I sure hope he feels better soon!

Many blessings to you and yours!

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M.K.

answers from Chicago on

Hi MR. I'm pretty sure your son is over 12 months old, so I also recommend the "old fashioned" cough syrup. 1 part honey and 1 part lemon juice -- mix together well. Even my husband and I use this when our coughs are no longer "productive" and are waking us up. (Actually, the original recipe also adds 1/2 part bourbon, which my husband and I use...but I delete that when giving it to the kids!!)

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L.K.

answers from Chicago on

My Daughter is going through the same thing. She coughs in her sleep too but doesn't wake up so I wouldn't worry about him getting his rest. Keep pushing the fluids . It will pass:)

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B.

answers from Chicago on

I have heard a teaspoon of honey coats the throat and aliviates a cough- I am not sure if your son is old enough (over age 1) for honey but if so it is not something that they fight to eat and I have heard from magazines and others it works
Good Luck
Beth

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