So what do you do when your child has a cough...

[AmyinPA]

now that the Fed says cough medicine for little kids is no longer recommended (I'm not even sure if it's on the store shelf), what do you give your child when they have a deep, throaty cough? This is for my 4 yo dd and 5 yo ds.

[MJN]

are old enough for honey. Stir together and drink it.

HTH!

Molly

[daisychics]

It might be croup. *they might need PREDNISONE. I would call the the doctor and ask a nurse about it. If it's not, our doctor tells us that it's okay to let them cough during the day because they're trying to cough out the bad stuff. But, at night (if they cannot sleep because of the cough) I give them DELSYM (from target, walmart, walgreen's) for children. It's orange -- they don't mind taking it because it taste really good. I have tasted it and it taste like orange candy.

*I would still call the doctor.
I have to deal with this every winter and spring because ds has "reactive asthma".

hope they feel better!

[Virginia Dawn]

My all-purpose cold medicine has always been children's Dimetapp, and only at night so all the mucus and drainage doesn't keep them awake. If the cough was mucousy (is that a word?) I would give a decongestant/antihistamine. If not, I would probably rub their chests with Vick's or stick them in a steamy shower. If it did not subside in a couple of days, we would head to the pediatrician who doesn't seem to have any qualms with prescribing a cough medicine.

This is what I've always done, and I don't see any need to change. I've only taken a kid in to the ped. twice in the last 5 years.

[daisychics]

the cool mist.

[Whisperlily]

I have a couple kids who react to Dextromethorphan (the cough suppressant found in most cough syrups), so we don't use those anyway.

It really depends on the cough, here. If it's croupy, cool air can help, popsicles, steam, (keeping them as calm as possible.) We don't take them in for croup unless they're making a "crowing" sound when they're breathing IN. You'd know it if you heard it. Or if they're obviously struggling to get air. THAT is the only time we give prednisone for croup. I've found that it's standard just to hand out prednisone to any child with a croupy sound, even if it's something they'll work through on their own. It might make the parents feel better, and it covers them in case the situation gets worse, but usually not necessary. It's hard on their little bodies.

If they're wheezing and their cough is tight, non-stop and they can't get a breath in between coughing jags, they might need a breathing treatment. I've got a couple with asthma, so I can recognize this cough!

If they're just coughing due to a cold/congestion, try vapor rub, mentholated cough drops, chewing on ice-chips, and like a previous poster suggested, honey. Or a honey mixture. It coats their throats and helps prevent the tickle. Occasionally we've had to seek help with a non asthma/non croup cough. If it's bad enough, they will prescribe Tylenol with Codeine. That's an absolute last resort for us.

Remember, coughing with a cold is not a bad thing! It helps keep the mucous from settling and causing an infection.