When it comes to your little one, there is no question how stressful it is when they get sick – including when they develop a bad cough. There are many things that can cause a persistent cough, such as colds, flu, bronchitis, or asthma, and fortunately, most coughs will stop when the cause, such as a cold, goes away.
Here are a few tips for dealing with a child’s cough at home (and when it might be best to see a doctor).
Understanding Children’s Coughs
Coughs in children can have various causes and may present in different ways. While it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan, here are some common types of coughs in children:
- Acute cough: Acute coughs are sudden and usually caused by infections such as colds, flu, or respiratory infections. They can be productive (producing mucus) or non-productive (dry).
- Chronic cough: A cough that persists for more than four weeks in children is considered chronic. It can be due to various underlying issues, such as asthma, allergies, reflux, or environmental irritants.
- Wet or productive cough: This type of cough produces mucus or phlegm. It often accompanies respiratory infections like bronchitis or pneumonia.
- Dry cough: A dry cough doesn’t produce mucus and can be caused by irritants like smoke, allergies, or viral infections.
- Nighttime cough: Some children may experience coughing primarily at night, which can be due to postnasal drip, asthma, or other factors.
It’s crucial to observe the nature, duration, and accompanying symptoms of your child’s cough and consult a pediatrician or healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. They can conduct a physical examination, ask about your child’s medical history, and, if necessary, order additional tests to determine the underlying cause of the cough and provide the best care.
Parental Struggles Dealing with a Child’s Severe Cough
Understandably, dealing with children’s severe cough can be a challenging and distressing experience for parents. Parents often worry about their child’s health and well-being when they have a severe cough. The fear of complications or the cough worsening can lead to increased stress and anxiety.
Additionally, a child with a severe cough may have trouble sleeping – which, in turn, disrupts the parents’ sleep patterns. Sleep deprivation can make it harder for parents to cope with the situation and care for the child effectively. Plus, not knowing how safe or effective over-the-counter medications are or which one will work best for your little one, can make the process even more stressful.
Introducing Koff & Kold™ Herbal Cough Syrups
Koff & Kold™ herbal cough syrups by Dr. Chase Pediatrics are uniquely formulated to help relieve cough and cold symptoms. Our night-time formula also includes Chamomile, traditionally used to gently soothe your child to sleep.
Our children’s cough syrups are made with all-natural herbal ingredients such as Echinacea, Elderberry, Thyme, and honey, which are known for their soothing properties and pleasant taste. When combined, they can help alleviate your child’s cough and cold symptoms.
Koff & Kold™ herbal cough syrups are available in a daytime or nighttime formula and provide soothing relief from:
- Sore throat
- Coughing
- Itchy throat
- Other symptoms associated with cold and flu
When to Seek Medical Attention for Your Child
Seeking medical attention for your child’s cough is essential to ensuring their health and well-being. While not every cough requires immediate medical intervention, there are specific signs and symptoms that should prompt you to contact a healthcare provider:
- Age: Infants under three months of age with any cough should receive prompt medical attention, as their immune systems are not fully developed and they are more susceptible to severe respiratory infections.
- Difficulty breathing: If your child is struggling to breathe, has rapid or shallow breathing, or shows signs of respiratory distress, such as flaring nostrils, chest retractions (sucking in of the chest muscles), or a bluish tint around the lips or face, seek medical help immediately.
- High fever: If your child has a fever (rectal temperature above 100.4°F or 38°C) along with a cough, it may be a sign of an underlying infection that requires medical evaluation.
- Persistent or severe cough: A cough that is persistent, worsening, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, such as wheezing, grunting, or choking, should be assessed by a healthcare provider.
Herbal Over-the-Counter Cough & Cold Remedy
Koff & Kold™ herbal cough syrups provide fast, safe, and effective relief for your little one with a minor cough or cold. Learn more about our other herbal relief products for children here.
