Cough in children: What to watch out for

A cough is a common accompaniment to colds, even in children. In many cases it is a harmless reflex, but sometimes a doctor should be consulted. Difficulty breathing, a persistent cough and a high temperature can indicate more serious illnesses. For mild symptoms, parents can resort to tried and tested household remedies and natural (medicinal) products to provide their children with relief.
 

A cough to accompany a cold

The days are getting shorter, the temperatures are dropping: The cold season will soon be upon us again. In addition to a sore throat and a cold, a common companion of a cold is a cough. Coughing is a vital reflex that serves to remove foreign bodies (germs, dirt, pathogens, toxins, etc.) from the respiratory tract. However, if the cough occurs as a symptom of illness - e.g. as part of a cold - it should be treated quickly! Coughing over a long period of time can put a massive strain on the respiratory system, e.g. the mucous membranes of the bronchial tubes can be damaged.
 

Different phases of the cough

The most common form of cough, a cold cough, usually goes through different phases: At the beginning, the irritation of the bronchial mucosa results in a dry, irritating cough. Especially at night, the irritation of the cough can become an annoying disturbance to rest.

This so-called non-productive cough is usually short-lived and then turns into a cough with viscous, stuck bronchial mucus. This is accompanied by increased mucus production. As a result, the bronchial mucus slowly begins to loosen and is removed from the bronchial tubes (productive cough). The coughing attacks are no longer agonizing, but liberating. In the end, a dry cough ("residual cough") often remains for some time.
 

Cough in children

Coughing is also a common symptom in children, often associated with colds and other respiratory infections. Especially in the colder months of the year, many parents complain that their children cough regularly. However, not all coughs are the same and treatment depends largely on the cause. In children, coughs often occur in the context of colds caused by viruses. Infections such as bronchitis or inflammation of the larynx can also trigger a cough. Other triggers can be asthma, allergies or the inhalation of smoke and pollutants.
 

Treatment of coughs in children

Many parents want to help their children without resorting to chemical medication. Here are some tried and tested home remedies and tips:

• Drink plenty: Adequate hydration with water or unsweetened tea moisturizes the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat. Warm drinks such as chamomile or fennel tea also soothe irritated mucous membranes.
• Increase the humidity: Dry air, especially in heated rooms, can irritate the airways and make coughing worse. A humidifier or damp towels on the radiator can increase the humidity and make breathing easier. Regular ventilation is also important to keep the air fresh.
• Inhalation: Steam inhalations with salt water can loosen the mucus in the airways of children aged around six years and older. The child should breathe in the steam over a bowl of hot water and a towel over their head. Inhalation devices, which are available from pharmacies, are suitable for smaller children.
• Onion juice: Onion juice is an old household remedy. An onion is cut into small pieces and mixed with a little honey or sugar. The resulting juice is given by the spoonful. Onions have an antibacterial effect and can relieve the urge to cough.

Taking your child to the doctor for a cough?

Coughs in children are often harmless, but there are certain situations in which a visit to the doctor is advisable. Here are some tips on when parents should take their children to the doctor:

• Breathing difficulties: If the child has difficulty breathing, the chest rises sharply or whistling noises are heard (e.g. in the case of respiratory distress or asthma), a visit to the doctor is necessary immediately.
• Fever: If the cough is accompanied by a high fever (over 39° C) or if the fever lasts longer than 3 days, a bacterial infection such as pneumonia may be present.
• Chest pain: Pain when breathing or coughing can indicate a more serious illness, such as pneumonia, and should be checked out by a doctor.
• Cough with bloody sputum: If the child coughs up blood when coughing or the sputum is green or yellow, a doctor should be consulted immediately as this could be a sign of a serious infection or pneumonia.
• Weakness or lethargy: If the child appears very tired, weak or sleepy and finds it difficult to stand upright, there may be a serious illness that should be investigated urgently.
• Coughing fits with vomiting: If the cough is so severe that the child vomits regularly, this may indicate whooping cough or other severe respiratory illnesses.
• Suspected foreign body: If the child suddenly coughs without having been ill beforehand, it could have swallowed a foreign body. A doctor should be consulted immediately.

In general, a visit to the doctor is often a good idea if you are unsure or the child's behavior seems unusual.
 

Marshmallow root - a medicinal plant that has been used for centuries to treat coughs

Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis) is a proven medicinal plant that has been used for centuries to relieve coughs and respiratory diseases. The root contains mucilage, which has a soothing effect on irritated mucous membranes. These mucilage substances cover the inflamed areas in the throat like a protective film and thus relieve irritation of the mucous membranes and the associated coughing irritation. Marshmallow root is particularly helpful for dry irritating coughs as it moisturizes the mucous membranes and inhibits inflammation.

Traditionally, marshmallow root is used as a tea or in syrup form to alleviate the symptoms. As marshmallow root is purely herbal, it is considered a gentle alternative to synthetic cough medicines and is often used in naturopathy and for children. Its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties make it a valuable remedy for various respiratory diseases.