Dry Cough In Children – You Are Mom
When there is no sputum, it is considered a dry cough. In other words, it is an unproductive cough. Indeed, the cough exists but no mucus is evacuated. It is also known as “irritative cough” or “nervous cough”.
Dry cough is not uncommon in children. In fact, it is estimated that a child can suffer from eight colds per year. A dry cough will thus be a common ailment. However, one should always consult the pediatrician and follow his directions before embarking on self-medication.
Causes of dry cough in children
There are many factors that can cause a dry cough in children:
- Allergic reactions.
- Dust suspended in the environment or chemical factors.
- Very dry atmosphere, air conditioning.
- Gastric reflux disease.
- Irritation from colds, flu, laryngitis or bronchitis.
Types of dry cough in children
Depending on the duration of the dry cough in a child, we can talk about two types:
- Acute cough. It lasts less than two weeks. It is often caused by a viral infection of the respiratory tract.
- Chronic dry cough. It lasts more than three to four weeks. It can be specific or non-specific, whether or not there is another underlying problem.
It is difficult to interpret what type of cough and what causes it. That is why you should not hesitate to consult your pediatrician when your child is coughing.
Home remedies for dry cough in children
Since this cough can be very annoying for children – even tiring – it is best to resolve it after seeking the advice of the pediatrician. The recommendations are generally as follows for treatment:
- Cold drinks (water or fruit juices except citrus fruits). Think about skin irritations. You don’t put heat on it, do you? They don’t need to be frozen, just at room temperature or slightly cool.
- Spray. A vaporizer in their room will increase the humidity level. By moistening the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, this will reduce irritation.
- You can add oils of different kinds: eucalyptus, bay leaf, among others.
- Steam baths. Steam also opens the airways. The best way to optimize its effects is for your child to stay at least 20 minutes in a steam bath. They are carried out with very hot water.
- A spoon of honey with lemon before sleeping. Before going to sleep and just after getting up, your child’s cough attacks will be more frequent.
- This is due to the horizontal position, which increases the feeling of irritation and suffocation. That is why a spoon of honey is the best medicine. This will permeate his throat and soften the irritated mucous membrane. Thus, the cough attacks will stop.
- When children are young, they will hardly be able to control the cough reflex because of the irritation. In this case, it is ideal to give them a spoon of honey with lemon.
In addition to these home remedies, be sure to consult the doctor. It is important to take care of the health of the child in the right way.
