Treating a cough for children is on the mind of every family. Although it is worrying when it occurs, especially during the winter season, and is considered one of the annoying symptoms that may prevent the child from sleeping, coughs are a natural defense mechanism for the body, and through our article we learn more about treating coughs in children and how to deal with a child correctly when he is afflicted.

What is a cough?

Cough is a strong reflex reaction taken by the body when irritation occurs in the mucous membranes of the respiratory passages. It is an involuntary movement made by the muscles of the chest and diaphragm together to expel air quickly, in an attempt to get rid of a foreign substance that is entering the respiratory system.

This means that cough is not a disease in itself;

Why does cough occur in children?

The causes of cough in children are many and different, and despite their diversity, they fall under the scope of the presence of an irritant in the respiratory tract. The causes of coughing include:

• Colds and fluIt is one of the most important causes of cough, and its continuation means that viruses are still present in the respiratory system, or that mucus is accumulated in it.
• Allergies and asthma: They have a direct relationship with cough, and as soon as dust or odors enter the respiratory system, the body takes a defensive reaction.
• Respiratory infections: Such as pneumonia and bronchitis, cause coughing as long as it is not treated, and the same applies to cases of sinusitis.
• The presence of a foreign body in the respiratory tract: It is one of the causes of sudden and severe cough.
• Esophageal refluxIt causes coughing in children due to the return of stomach acids to the esophagus.
• Passive smoking for children: Due to the presence of smokers, this smoke passes toxic and irritating chemicals into the child’s respiratory system, causing coughing and other problems.
• Bacterial or viral infection: Causes certain cases of cough.

Discover with us طرق تخفيف الكحة عند الرضع اثناء النوم.

Types of cough in children

It is important to determine the type of cough that the child suffers from, as this helps diagnose the cause of the cough and develop an appropriate treatment plan. The types of cough are as follows:

Dry cough

It is a cough with a harsh and repetitive sound, and no sound is heard indicating the presence of mucus or phlegm in the throat. The most important characteristic of it is that the child suffers from it at night, which prevents him from sleeping well.

Wet or productive cough

In this type, the sound is deeper than a dry cough, and a crackling sound resulting from the presence of phlegm accumulated in the chest and throat can be heard.

Barking cough

Here the cough makes a hoarse sound similar to the barking of a sea dog, and attempts to breathe become accompanied by a squeaking sound, especially when inhaling, and the child is unable to sleep well at night due to the increased severity of the cough at this time.

Whooping cough

Bouts of frequent and rapid coughing that do not give the child the opportunity to catch his breath, and as a result make a loud inhaling sound similar to the sound of a rooster.

Nighttime cough

This cough increases especially at night, and in some cases the child may not cough at all during the day;

Wheezing cough

It is a type that causes a whistling or wheezing sound during exhalation, accompanied by a cough, and often affects infants.

Also get to know me Causes of dry cough in children.

When is a cough in children a concern?

Although a cough is often not a cause for concern, there are certain cases in which doctors must be consulted immediately. The most important of these cases are:

• There are signs of acute shortness of breath, such as a whistling or wheezing sound, rapid breathing with difficulty, blueness of the lips, tongue, or nails, and the inability to eat and speak.
• Whooping cough in general requires seeing a doctor because it is dangerous.
• Blood comes out with mucus during coughing, even if it appears in the form of red lines.
• Sudden, violent cough, especially if it occurs while the child is performing an activity such as eating or playing.
• Barking cough in severe cases, because it causes shortness of breath.
• If the child suffers from a cough and a temperature of more than 38 degrees.
• The child is lethargic and does not respond as usual, or refuses to drink water and fluids.
• A particularly severe cough that persists for more than 15 days without any improvement.

The best ways to treat coughs for children in a hospitalOh Moses

With us you get the best treatment for cough in children, This is because we offer you the following:

• Accurate diagnosis by the best doctors and consultants.
• Analysis of the root cause of cough, especially in cases whose causes are unclear.
• Providing properly directed treatment plans to treat the underlying problem.
• Providing supportive instructions for caring for the child and directing the family to deal with him properly.

اقرأ المزيد عن Cough treatment: Learn about the causes, types of cough, and the best treatment methods.

Home remedies for cough in children 

Home treatments do not replace the need for a visit to the doctor, but the child must be followed up at home based on the recommendations of specialists after examination and confirmation of the nature of the condition. This is done in the following ways:

• Natural white honey: It helps to soothe the irritated lining of the throat, and it is also very effective against microbes, but it is strictly prohibited for children under one year old because it may put them at risk of botulism.
• SteamOne of the best treatments that help open the child’s breathing passages. The hot shower should be run for a few minutes in the bathroom so that it is filled with water vapor, and the child should wait 10 to 15 minutes.
• Warm liquidsIt should be taken in general because it reduces the viscosity of mucus and facilitates its expulsion. It also helps reduce throat irritation.
• Chest massage with natural oilUse peppermint oil, tea tree oil, etc. to massage the child’s chest to reduce congestion, but these oils must first be diluted with almond oil or coconut oil before using them.
• Elevate the child's head when sleeping: A simple procedure, but its benefit is great, as it reduces the accumulation of mucus in the back of the throat, but care must be taken when performing it with infants.
• Nasal saline solutionIt is used to cleanse the nose of mucus and expel allergens, which greatly soothes the cough.
• Ginger for children over two years of age: It is very useful in relieving cough, especially if it is accompanied by inflammation or irritation in the airways, as it relieves throat pain and congestion, and also works as an anti-inflammatory.

Tips for preventing coughs in children

in Winter season In particular, children need specific measures to prevent coughs. We explain to you the most important ones below:

• Strengthening the immune system by obtaining the required vaccinations from the birth of the child.
• Get healthy, balanced nutrition to support children's immune function.
• Regulating sleep and ensuring that the child gets enough hours of sleep to prevent his body from being exposed to infection.
• Take required hygiene measures, such as washing hands and covering the nose and mouth when coughing to limit the spread of germs.
• Teach children to focus on not touching their eyes, mouths and noses, especially if they are outside the home, to prevent the spread of viruses.
• Protecting the child from passive smoking.
• Stay away from allergens and asthma triggers for children with these respiratory problems.
• Renew the air in the house first and foremost by ventilating it as required.
• Avoid exposure to sick people, especially those with viral or bacterial diseases.

Frequently asked questions about cough treatment for children 

What is the dangerous secret in treating cough in children?

The dangerous secret is to pay attention to the child’s health from birth, and to visit the doctor when he notices that he has a cough for an unknown reason.

How to stop coughing in just five minutes for children?

If the cough is dry and caused by a foreign body entering the airway, the child can get rid of it in five minutes or less once the foreign body comes out.

How do I stop my child's coughing at night?

You can do this by visiting a specialized hospital to find out the cause of the cough and treat it properly.

Does orange increase cough?

Yes, oranges and lemons cause increased coughing in some cases, so if you find that they cause increased coughing, stop taking them and replace them with warm liquids.

ختامًا The treatment of cough in children depends on the correct diagnosis that we make Al Mousa Specialist HospitalTherefore, if you notice that your child’s cough lasts for a long time or its causes are unknown, Contact us immediately.