Home Treatment for Coughs in Children

Coughs & Breathing

Key Points for Treating Coughs at Home

• Nasal Suctioning and Humidifiers: Use nasal saline with suctioning for children under 3 to loosen mucus. For children 3 years and older, nasal irrigation can help clear thick mucus.
• Humidifiers: Cool-mist humidifiers make breathing easier, while warm-mist humidifiers can help loosen mucus in wet coughs.
• Fluids: Ensure your child stays hydrated with frequent feedings.
• Medications: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can reduce fever in children older than 6 months. Honey can ease coughs in children over 1 year of age.
• Avoid Cough Medications: These are not safe or effective for children under 6 years old.

Signs of Difficulty Breathing

• Fast Breathing: Check if the breathing rate seems faster than normal.
• Belly Muscles Pushing: Observe if the belly is pushing out or if the child is grunting.
• Retractions: Look for pulling in of muscles between ribs or in the neck.
• Nostrils Flaring: Note if the nostrils are opening wide to take in more oxygen.
• Wheezing or Stridor: Listen for a whistling noise when breathing out (wheezing) or a harsh sound when breathing in (stridor).
• Head Bobbing: Watch for the head moving up and down with each breath.

Important Note

Seek medical attention immediately if any of the signs of difficulty breathing are present.

Last Updated: November 2022
Source: Pediatric Associates, Inc., P.S. dba Allegro Pediatrics