What are Children's Coughs?

Children regularly get common coughs and colds, as their immune systems develop and they are exposed to the wider world they will pick up viruses and bacteria that cause them to develop coughs and colds. It is all a part of their physical development and is very normal.

Most cough and cold treatments are no longer recommended for children under the age of six. This is little comfort when your child is unwell and you want to help ease their symptoms and help them feel better as soon as possible.

Ways to reduce symptoms

Hydration is key for helping reduce the symptoms of children’s coughs and colds. Make sure your little one has easy access to water and remind them to keep sipping on their drink.

You can offer them regular milk and diluted fruit juices, or you could offer oral rehydration fluids in water. If your child is breastfed continue to offer breast milk, or formula if they are on a formula diet; give supplementary water if they will take it.

Children older than 12 months old may be given a little honey to soothe a dry cough or scratchy throat, if they have had honey before with no adverse effects. For babies under 12 months cool soothing foods such as ice blocks made from diluted juice, yoghurt, or ice cream may be used instead.

How to help with congestion

Nasal and chest congestion causes children a lot of discomfort as their nasal and air passages are smaller and easily blocked up by dried mucus.

Babies can become really distressed if they have congestion as they still breathe through their nose rather than their mouth.

Saline drops and sprays for older children are available and will moisturise and soothe irritated nasal passages and help to flush out the nostrils. Vapour rubs can also help open the airway and reduce congestion

How to treat a fever

Paracetamol is the most common treatment for relieving fevers and raised temperatures in children. Always make sure the dosage is correct for the age and weight of your child and that they are not given a dose any more than four times in any 24 hour period, or less than 4-hours a part.

When to get more help

If your child is not comforted or relieved by these treatments, or if they are weak, their breath is whistling or wheezy, if they are tugging at their ear or their fever is not responding to treatment then see a doctor immediately.

More support for children’s coughs

Our community pharmacy team is always available to chat about your child’s health. If you have questions about how to best support your child’s immune system, or different options for when they get poorly, our team are always happy to provide you with any advice and support you need.