Does your child's cough cause you anxiety and confusion?

What are the types of cough in children?

Dry cough

A dry cough is a cough that is not accompanied by phlegm or mucus. The child feels as if there is something stuck in his throat, which prompts him to cough continuously to try to get rid of it. It usually occurs as a result of throat irritation due to colds, allergies, or the onset of asthma. It is more noticeable during the night or when talking or playing. 

Wet cough

A wet cough is characterized by the secretion of mucus or phlegm during coughing, which may come out of the throat or chest. It is often the result of a viral infection in the respiratory system or exposure to irritants such as smoke and dust. The child may suffer from a feeling of heaviness or congestion in the chest, and sometimes a slight fever. 

Barking cough

Barking cough is a sharp, rough cough that resembles a barking sound. It often occurs as a result of inflammation of the larynx. It may be accompanied by wheezing and difficulty breathing. This cough usually appears in the context of a viral infection such as the Croup virus or influenza. 

Cough accompanied by wheezing

This type of cough is accompanied by a wheezing sound in the chest. It often appears in children with asthma or allergies, and symptoms may worsen at night or when engaging in physical activity. 

Whooping cough 

Whooping cough is characterized by recurrent bouts of coughing followed by a strong, rooster-crow-like gasp, which may be severe enough to cause vomiting or exhaustion in the child, and is often the result of a bacterial infection known as pertussis.

Also learn about: The dangerous secret in treating children's coughs: Your guide to effectively protecting your child

Chronic cough

Chronic cough is defined as a cough that persists for a long time, usually more than three weeks, and may be accompanied by wheezing, fatigue, or lack of appetite.

 Common causes include asthma, allergies, recurrent infections, or esophageal reflux, and this cough requires medical evaluation to determine the cause and develop an effective treatment plan.

Night cough

Nocturnal cough becomes more severe during sleep, may cause sleep disturbance in the child, and is often linked to asthma, allergies, dry air, or sleeping position. 

How to treat cough in children?

Before starting any treatment, it is first important to determine the type of cough the child has, whether it is a dry, wet, barking cough, accompanied by wheezing, or chronic. You should also pay attention to the accompanying symptoms such as difficulty breathing, fever, a change in the color of the mucus, or unusual fatigue, because these signs help in choosing the appropriate treatment.

In mild cases, it is recommended to start with home treatment and monitor the improvement of symptoms during the first days. If the cough does not improve or becomes more severe, some appropriate cough medications can be used depending on the type of cough and the age of the child, while continuing to monitor his condition.

However, if the cough continues for more than 3 to 4 weeks, or is accompanied by other symptoms, you must immediately see a doctor to evaluate the condition and develop a safe and effective treatment plan.

Treating cough in children with medications

The medications used to treat coughs in children vary depending on their mechanism of action, type of cough, and effectiveness of the medication.

Main types of medications

• Cough Suppressants: It inhibits the cough center in the brain to reduce coughing attacks, usually for children older than two years. It is not given to infants except under medical supervision. It is used to relieve dry cough and the doctor’s instructions must be adhered to.
• Expectorants: It helps loosen mucus in the lungs and bronchi to facilitate its exit. It is used for wet coughs accompanied by thick secretions, and doses must be adhered to according to age and weight.
• Antihistamines: It is used if the cough is related to allergies or nasal itching. It is also used for dry cough or cough associated with a cold.
• Bronchodilators: Like inhaled albuterol, they are used if the cough is due to bronchoconstriction or asthma, usually for children older than one year as assessed by a doctor.
• Inhaled corticosteroids: Like bedesonide or fluticasone, they reduce inflammation in the bronchial tubes and relieve chronic coughs caused by allergies or asthma, and are used only as prescribed by the doctor.
• Oral steroids (Corticosteroids): Such as dexamethasone or prednisolone, it is used to treat whooping cough, barking cough, asthma, and some cases of dry cough that do not respond to other medications. It is prescribed by a doctor only.
• Oral lozenges for coughs (Lozenges): They work to soothe the throat and relieve cough by increasing the secretion of saliva, and are available in different types. Some lozenges contain local anesthetics such as benzocaine to relieve irritation, or substances that moisten the mouth and maintain moisture in the throat.
• Multi-ingredient Herbal Cough Syrups: Herbal cough syrups typically contain a combination of soothing and expectorant herbs such as thyme, ginger, guava leaves, eucalyptus, fennel, and mint, with additives such as honey to soothe the throat and make it easier to expel phlegm.

Important instructions when using cough medicines in children

1. Do not give the same medicine to other children without a prescription.
2. Adhere to the doses and duration of treatment prescribed by the doctor, and do not change them on your own.
3. It is preferable to give the medicine at the specified times, but you should not wake the sleeping child if he is calm and without a cough.
4. Cough relievers are not suitable for children under two years of age (unless prescribed)
5.  Some types of antihistamines may cause drowsiness in children, so the timing of their administration must be taken into account.
6. In chronic conditions such as bronchial asthma, you must adhere to the treatment plan established by the doctor.

Find out more about: What is the difference between asthma and shortness of breath?

What are the ways to treat cough in children at home?

• Drink plenty of fluids: Drinking water and warm drinks for children (such as broth and milk) is effective in moistening the throat and liquefying mucus, which reduces irritation and makes phlegm easier to come out. It is considered the first line of treatment for coughs in children.
• Herbal drinks: Drink herbal tea such as chamomile, ginger, mint, anise or wild thyme. These herbs have cough-soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, especially for dry coughs.
• Natural honey: Honey is one of the most effective home remedies for relieving coughs in children, especially dry coughs and nighttime coughs, as honey works to soothe the throat, relieve irritation, and form a protective layer that reduces the urge to cough.
• Air humidification: Using a cool mist humidifier in a child’s bedroom maintains humidity in the air and reduces dryness in the throat and nose, which reduces the severity of the cough and facilitates breathing. This method is effective for dry coughs and is suitable for infants.
• Inhaling warm water vapor: Taking the child to a warm bath or steam bath for several minutes helps moisten the airways, liquefy and expel mucus, and relieve congestion before bedtime.
• Cleaning the nose with saline solution: Cleaning the nose with saline solution helps moisten the nasal passages and thin the mucus, which improves breathing and relieves throat irritation. This treatment is safe for all children, and is especially important for coughs resulting from a cold or postnasal drip.
• Gargle with warm water and salt: Gargling is suitable for older children who can do it without swallowing. It helps soothe the throat and expel mucus. It is effective for dry coughs or simple sore throats. It cannot be used for infants or young children who cannot gargle safely.
• Elevating the baby's head while sleeping: It helps drain mucus and reduce nighttime congestion, which improves sleep and relieves cough, especially when postnasal drip or esophageal reflux occurs.
• Gently patting or massaging the back and chest: Patting the back helps move the mucus in the lungs and bronchi to facilitate its expulsion and is useful for wet coughs. The massage should be very gentle, especially for infants.
• Adequate sleep and rest: Adequate sleep boosts the immune system and reduces coughing, and rest is effective for all children.

When does a cough in children require immediate consultation with a doctor?

• If the infant is less than 3 months old and suffers from a cough.
• The skin, lips or tongue turns blue.
• If the cough is accompanied by a high fever (39°C or higher).
• If the baby is unusually lethargic or difficult to wake (especially infants)
• Severe difficulty breathing or abnormally rapid breathing.
• Hearing a clear wheezing sound in the chest while breathing (wheezing).
• Bloody or greenish-yellow, thick phlegm comes out.
• Loss of appetite or weight with persistent cough.
• Cough persists for more than 3-4 weeks.

Get a safe and effective treatment for your child's cough with Al Mousa Health

Treatments for cough in children vary, and if your child’s cough worries you or affects his sleep and rest, do not wait until the condition worsens. Al Moosa Health We help you accurately determine the cause of your cough and choose a safe and appropriate treatment for each age.

Book your consultation now Give your child faster relief and lasting reassurance.

The most common questions about treating coughs in children

When can cough medicines be used for children?

Medications can be used depending on the type of cough, but always after consulting a doctor, especially for children under two years, as some medications are sedatives Cough Or dilators have clear age restrictions.

Also learn about: What are respiratory diseases and what are their most important symptoms?

Are herbal drinks safe for children?

Herbal teas such as chamomile, feverfew and mint are safe for children over 6 months, but strong or unfamiliar herbs should be avoided for infants without consulting a doctor.

What is the difference between dry and wet cough?

A dry cough is not accompanied by phlegm and occurs due to throat irritation or allergies, while a wet cough is accompanied by secretions or phlegm, and requires humidifying the air and drinking fluids to facilitate the passage of mucus.