Not every cough in a child requires medications and antitussives. Very often, a syrup that moisturizes the throat and water with honey and lemon are enough.
International scientific societies recommend relieving the symptoms of cough in children with water with lemon and honey and a syrup based on glycerol. Instead of reaching for syrups containing strong substances that inhibit cough, we can use less invasive methods. In addition, the American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend the use of such preparations in children under six years of age, because they may cause side effects.
Why are the little ones coughing?
A child’s cough is a hard test for the parents’ nervous system. A coughing baby means not only sleepless nights, but also fatigue resulting from sympathy for this ailment. A dry cough is often, but not always, the first symptom of a viral infection. It is especially annoying at night, it causes a scratchy throat.
As a result of the stimulation of cough receptors located within the entire respiratory system by, for example, secretion from the respiratory tract, tobacco smoke, air pollution, cold or a foreign body, the branches of the vagus nerve are irritated. This causes involuntary contractions that make you cough.
In addition to being a symptom of many diseases, coughing is also a defense mechanism in the body. When coughing, the larynx, trachea and bronchi are cleaned of mucus and microbes. Healthy children can cough up to a dozen times a day, and in 5% of them, coughs appear regularly at night.
Not only a cold or an allergy
The acute cough accompanying a cold is most often caused by virus damage to the respiratory epithelium and irritation by secretions. Coughing after such an infection lasts more than 3 weeks and is normal. However, if it is still accompanied by high fever, rapid breathing or chest pain, it requires consultation with a doctor.
If you cough for a long time, you also need to see a doctor. However, the pro-inflammatory bronchial hyperreactivity manifested by dry cough lasts 6 to 8 weeks after viral infections, 3 months after other microbes, and up to 6 months after suffering from whooping cough.
Asthma is also manifested by paroxysmal dry cough and respiratory discomfort. Gastroesophageal reflux, congenital defects of the heart and respiratory system may also be the cause of coughing. Psychogenic coughing often occurs in schoolchildren while speaking and is usually a manifestation of anxiety and anxiety about school.
Hydration of the throat
A child’s coughing throat – whether it’s from a cold, allergies, smog or irritation from dry air conditioning – needs to be moisturized. In adults, steam inhalation brings good results. However, due to the risk of burns, they are not recommended for children. The baby can be placed in a steamy bathroom for a few minutes.
However, it is most convenient and safest to give your baby a tasty syrup containing glycerol. Due to their special lubricating and soothing properties, syrups retain moisture and bring relief to an irritated throat.
For example, Petit Drill and Petit Drill Junior syrups with strawberry flavor intended for infants and children are produced on the basis of ultrapure glycerol. They cover the throat with a thin layer, protect it from drying out and soothe irritation.
They are an excellent alternative to antitussive syrups. Glycerol is a tested, safe substance that “lubricates the throat” and moisturizes it. Such a syrup is safe and will help with irritations caused by colds, pollution or dry air (e.g. on an airplane) and allergies. It should be remembered that the child should not drink glycerol-based syrups for about 30 minutes after administration to maintain the effect of moisturizing the throat.