Dry Cough

How to Cure Dry Coughs in Children

 
Max. D Gray
By Max. D Gray. Updated: January 16, 2017
How to Cure Dry Coughs in Children

Dry coughs are a very common problem in children, and it creates great discomfort in the form of chest pain, sore throat and lack of rest. Treating it in a timely manner is important to ensure the welfare of children and to prevent the cough from escalating into a more complex condition.

This condition can be treated at home; however, when the cough lasts more than a week, you should go to a doctor to rule out respiratory infections and other complications. If you are looking for homemade solutions, read on. Here at OneHowTo, we explain how to cure dry coughs in children.

You may also be interested in: Home Remedies For Dry Cough
Steps to follow:
1

Coughing is a reaction our body has when a foreign body obstructs the airway; coughing frees the way and restores proper breathing. Dry coughs in children usually occur after a cold or flu, but also due to the presence of allergies, respiratory diseases such as asthma, or constant exposure to irritants such as cigarettes, dust or smoke.

The cough usually diminishes and disappears after a few days, though sometimes it can persist. If this is the case, you should o consider going to a specialist. It is important to take the child to the doctor when:

  • The child coughs up blood or expels very green phlegm.
  • They have trouble breathing.
  • The cough lasts more than a week.
  • They have other symptoms, such as fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, etc.
  • The child does not eat, they are listless and have lost weight.
  • If the child is less than a year old.
How to Cure Dry Coughs in Children - Step 1
2

If there is no cause for alarm, then a good way to begin to heal dry cough in children is to give them one tablespoon of honey mixed with a few drops of lemon as a syrup. Honey helps soothe the throat, it has antibacterial properties and also helps to strengthen the immune system. Lemon, on the other hand provides a good dose of vitamin C and helps fight infections, flu and colds.

Give your child this home remedy 3 times a day - the last dose should be given at bedtime.

How to Cure Dry Coughs in Children - Step 2
3

A hot bath is one of the best way to combat cough and promote the expulsion of mucus lodged in the lungs. Steam is also an excellent expectorant and when combined with a plant like eucalyptus to help ensure respiratory health it can achieve excellent results.

Fill the bath with warm water, shut the bathroom door and place 3 bay leaves in the water. Then put your child in the bath and let them breathe in the steam. The scent of the laurel should help to clear the airways. If you do not have bath in the home, a nice hot shower will also have a positive effect.

How to Cure Dry Coughs in Children - Step 3
4

There are many home remedies for dry cough that are are highly effective, but it is likely that your little one will be adverse to trying these. Instead, try simpler alternatives, such as those suggested below. Place a vaporizer in your home and add eucalyptus oil to it. This is a great way to combat dry cough, preventing discomfort in the throat and helping to heal this condition.

Switch it on when your child is at home and place it in their room at night to reduce coughing attacks.

5

Eucalyptus vapors or bay leaf vapors are an excellent option for curing dry cough in children, although many are not comfortable with the idea of breathing steam from a pot for several minutes.

This remedy helps expectoration, clearing the airways and helping the child feel better in a matter of minutes. Simply place a liter of water in a pot and add two or three eucalyptus or bay leaves. Bring to the boil and leave for 5 minutes before turning it off. Taking great care not to burn yourself, place the pot on a table and let your child sit close. Place a towel over your child's head and make them breathe in the steam for around 15 minutes.

It is important to monitor the whole process to prevent your little one from scalding themselves with the hot water.

How to Cure Dry Coughs in Children - Step 5
6

Other options to help cure dry cough in children include:

  • Give them at least 2 liters of water a day - the liquid helps remove mucus more easily, either through the nose or through expectoration.
  • Mint tea with a teaspoon of honey is also a good remedy. If your child likes the taste, you can give them up to 3 cups of this drink daily.
  • At night it is important that your child's head is slightly elevated to help lessen cough and encourage better rest.
  • Prevent any agents that may worsen your child's cough from accumulating. Ventilate the room and the whole house well, and never smoke in the home.

This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to How to Cure Dry Coughs in Children, we recommend you visit our Family health category.

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How to Cure Dry Coughs in Children