Disclaimer [ENGLISH]
Disclaimer: This material is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, nor does it replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. Reference to a specific commercial product or service does not imply endorsement or recommendation of that product or service by CPCMG.
What is a cough?
- It is a reflex that helps your child to clear their airway
- A cough can sound dry or wet
What causes a cough?
How can I treat my child’s cough?
For infants up to 12 months:
- Reminder: no honey under 1 year of age.
- Over-the-counter cough and cold medicine is not recommended, but agave-based medications can be tried if desired for babies 6 months and older.
- Nasal saline spray or drops followed by nasal suction prior to feeding and sleep.
- Inhalers or nebulizer treatments if prescribed and advised by your child’s provider.
For toddlers ages 1 to 3 years old:
- Over-the-counter cough and cold medicine is not recommended, but honey-based medications can be tried if desired.
- Age-approved vapor rub.
- Nasal saline spray or drops followed by nasal suction prior to feeding and sleep.
- Inhalers or nebulizer treatments if prescribed and advised by your child’s provider.
For children ages 4 to 6 years old:
- Cough medicine should be used only if recommended by your child's doctor.
- Vapor rub
- Cough drops
- Honey – can be mixed in warm fluids, yogurt, or given plain on a spoon
- Nasal saline spray
- Inhalers or nebulizer treatments if prescribed and advised by your child’s provider.
For ages 6 years and older:
- Some cough medications also contain acetaminophen or ibuprofen, so parents must be careful with giving additional doses of these medications.
- Vapor rub
- Cough drops
- Honey – can be mixed in warm fluids, yogurt, or given plain in a spoon.
- Nasal saline spray
- Inhalers or nebulizer treatments if prescribed and advised by your child’s provider
How can I prevent my child’s cough?
- Practicing good hand hygiene.
- Avoid sharing food and drinks.
- Avoid sick contacts.
- Be sure to give any medications as prescribed by your child’s provider.
- Avoid any vaping or smoke exposure.
- Be sure to keep your child up to date with vaccines.
- Regularly clean high contact surfaces.
When to call your child’s provider:
- If your child is having any trouble breathing.
- If your child is wheezing.
- If the cough is not improving with treatment.
- If your child is urinating less than 3 times in 24 hours.
- If your child has a fever for five days.
- If your child’s cough has lasted longer than 4 weeks.
This publication was adapted from information within American Academy of Pediatrics Patient Education Handouts, UpToDate Guidelines and Healthychildren.org
Reviewed by: TT D.O, AR D.O. | 12/2023