A cough that keeps a child up at night wears out the whole house. You may wonder how to stop your child’s cough and when to call the doctor. Most coughs are mild, and a few safe home remedies can help.
Why Kids Cough
Kids cough for many reasons, and the cough itself helps clear mucus and protect the lungs. Colds and flu are the most common causes. Pollen, dust mites, or pet dander can also trigger one, and some children cough more at night or during exercise because of
asthma.
Cigarette smoke and strong fumes make any cough worse. A mild cough with a cold usually improves at home. If it lingers or worsens, it may need a closer look.
Cough Remedies for Kids
The
American Academy of Pediatrics suggests starting with gentle care. These home remedies for cough don’t involve medicine:
- Fluids: Staying hydrated with age-appropriate drinks will thin mucus. Babies should keep having breast milk or formula.
- Saline drops or spray: Loosen mucus in stuffy noses. Gentle suction helps babies.
- Cool-mist humidifier: It may help ease a dry cough by thinning the mucus. Be sure to clean your humidifier often to prevent mold.
- Rest and smoke-free air: Let your child recover, away from cigarette smoke.
These kids’ cough remedies can ease symptoms, but they won’t shorten the illness.
Cough Medicine Safety by Age
Take caution while using over-the-counter cold and cough remedies for kids. The
FDA warns against certain cough and cold medicines for children under 2 years, and manufacturers label them against use under 4 years.
For ages 4 to 6 years, the
AAP says to give them only if your child’s doctor advises it. For 7 years and older, follow the manufacturer’s directions on the box. Always read labels, because mixing two products with the same ingredient can lead to an accidental overdose.
When to Seek Medical Care
You can often manage a mild cough at home with simple cough remedies as long as your child is breathing comfortably, drinking enough, and acting like themselves. If you’re ever unsure, the AAP’s
cough symptom checker can help you decide how urgent a symptom is.
Call your child’s doctor right away if:
- A baby under 3 months has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
- Your child is wheezing or breathing much faster than normal
Call the doctor soon if your child has:
- Repeated, nonstop coughing spells
- Cold symptoms with no improvement after 10 days
- A cough lasting longer than three weeks
- Symptoms that improve, then return or get worse
- Fewer wet diapers or less peeing
Go to the emergency room or call 911 right away if your child:
- Struggles for every breath
- Has blue or gray lips or face
- Has ribs pulling in with each breath
- Can’t stay awake or respond normally
- Chokes and can’t breathe, cry, or cough effectively
We Are Here for Maryland Families
Jai Medical Systems is a Medicaid managed care organization serving children and adults across Maryland. If your child’s cough worries you, reach out. Our
provider directory can help you find a pediatrician, as well as several participating Primary Care and Urgent Care providers who offer pediatric care and same-day sick visits.
If you need help finding a provider or understanding your benefits,
contact us so we can point you to a participating pediatric provider and answer your coverage questions. Call Customer Service at 1-888-JAI-1999 (1-888-524-1999), Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Members can also reach the 24/7 Nurse Advice Line at 1-833-359-0170, which never replaces 911 in an emergency
