Coughing is one of the most common symptoms children experience during viral and respiratory illnesses. While it can be uncomfortable and sometimes concerning for parents, a cough is usually a normal part of the body’s response to an infection. In most cases, it does not require antibiotics or steroids.
A cough is actually a protective reflex. Its purpose is to help clear mucus and other secretions from the respiratory tract. During a cold or respiratory infection, children often develop postnasal drainage. These secretions can travel down the back of the throat and trigger coughing. This is also one reason a child’s cough may seem worse at night, when postnasal secretions can collect and cause more throat irritation.
Helping Your Child Feel More Comfortable
There are several simple measures that may help thin and clear secretions. Running a humidifier, allowing your child to breathe in steam from a warm bath or shower, and using nasal saline with suction can all help improve symptoms.
Parents often wonder whether an over-the-counter cough medicine will help. However, there are no over-the-counter remedies that have been proven more effective for children’s cough symptoms than honey in children over one year of age. In addition, there are no over-the-counter cough remedies that are FDA approved for children under six years old. Do not use over-the-counter cough suppressants in children younger than six.
For children older than one year, honey may help improve cough symptoms. Honey should never be given to a baby under 12 months of age, because it can cause infant botulism.
How Long Can a Cough Last?
One of the most important things for parents to know is that coughing is often the symptom that lasts the longest after a respiratory illness. Even after other symptoms improve, the cough may continue for weeks.
If your child has been coughing for four weeks or longer, it is a good idea to return to the clinic for an evaluation. You should also discuss the cough with your pediatrician if it has lasted more than four weeks without typical cold symptoms, or if your child regularly wakes during the night because of coughing.
Not every cough is caused by an infection. Children with allergies or reflux may also develop coughing even when they do not have symptoms of a respiratory illness.
When Should Your Child Be Evaluated?
A chest X-ray is not routinely required or recommended simply because a child has a cough. Your pediatrician can determine whether imaging is necessary based on your child’s symptoms and examination.
Most importantly, a child who is struggling to catch their breath between coughing fits should be evaluated by their pediatrician.
Although coughs can be frustrating—especially when they interrupt sleep—they are often part of the body’s normal process of clearing respiratory secretions. Supportive care, patience, and knowing when to check back with your pediatrician can help you manage your child’s symptoms with greater confidence.
If your child isn’t feeling well or you’d like us to take a closer look, call (832) 844-1470 to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are also welcome. You can find us at 1430 W. Grand Pkwy S, Katy, TX 77494.
We’re open Monday through Wednesday from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM, Thursday and Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. If you need guidance after hours, our after-hours line connects you directly with one of our doctors, so support is still available when your child gets sick outside regular office hours.
Written by Dr. El-Loubani