Home Remedies To Stop Toddler Coughing At Night
Published November 4, 2023
Cough is one of the most common childhood illnesses. It’s a reflex action of the body when clearing the airways of mucus and irritating particles such as dust, pollen, or smoke. If you’re concerned about toddler coughing at night, it’s important to address it right away, as it can be distressing for both the child and the parent.
There are several reasons why your toddler is coughing at night, such as:
- Upper respiratory infections – these are the viral and bacterial infections involving the upper respiratory tract, such as the throat, windpipe, or the sinuses. (e.g., colds, flu, sinusitis, laryngitis, allergic rhinitis, whooping cough).
- Lower Respiratory Infections – these are the viral and bacterial infections affecting the lower respiratory tract, such as the lungs and lower airways. (e.g., acute bronchitis, pneumonia).
Most of the time, there’s nothing to worry about when your toddler is coughing at night. In most cases, it goes away by morning. But, as a parent, it can make you feel uneasy and may keep you and the child up all night. However, if your child can’t stop coughing at night for several days in a row, it could be a more serious breathing issue. In such instances, don’t hesitate to seek medical help.
Coughing With Fever
When you find out that your child has a cough and fever at night, you should not be alarmed. Instead, you should track the signs and see if they worsen over time.
Below are some of the symptoms of the flu:
- fever
- coughing
- vomiting
- loss of appetite
Remember that toddlers may develop a middle ear infection if the condition worsens without medication. Additionally, avoid giving aspirin to toddlers when they have a fever. Instead, provide acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
7 Best Natural Toddler Cough Remedies
If you think the cough is just getting started and you’re wondering what to do for a baby with a cough at night, try natural treatments. Start with these first to prevent things from getting worse. Before seeing a specialist, try any of the natural remedies mentioned below and see if the cough improves.
1. Probiotics
While probiotics don’t specifically cure baby cough, they help stabilize the gastrointestinal flora. People who take probiotics as a supplement regularly have a 50% reduction in coughs and colds.
According to The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health NCCIH, although the data is still inconclusive, a trusted source found a reduction in the number of people developing upper respiratory infections after receiving different strains of probiotics.
Since there are many different types of probiotics, consult a doctor to determine which one is best for you. You can get probiotics naturally by eating fermented foods like:
- Miso
- Sauerkraut
- Yogurt
- Kefir
- Sourdough
2. Honey
People have been using honey to treat sore throats for a long time now. In one study, a single dose of honey before bedtime may help diminish cough. You can combine up to 2 teaspoons of honey with warm water or herbal tea to relieve cough at home.
Additionally, honey and cinnamon can aid in removing phlegm from the throat and boost the immune system. The lemon juice mixed with honey contains antioxidants that may help improve the immune system and clear mucus.
3. Peppermint
Peppermint leaves are famous for their calming effects. To relieve coughing, try drinking peppermint tea or breathing in its refreshing vapors. Peppermint contains menthol, a soothing element that helps the throat and eases congestion. It can aid in the breakdown of mucus. Alternatively, a steam bath can do the job, with 3 or 4 drops of peppermint oil added for every 5 ounces of hot water.
4. Bromelain
Bromelain may be able to treat allergies and asthma-related respiratory disorders. It combines enzymes found in pineapple juice and has powerful anti-inflammatory effects. It might also have properties that help break down and remove mucus.
To get the most out of pineapple, try eating a slice of the fruit or drinking 3.5 ounces of fresh juice up to three times a day. If using antibiotics like amoxicillin, be careful using bromelain because it can increase absorption. However, if you’re not a fan of pineapple, there are vitamins you can take instead.
5. Marshmallow
Most people associate marshmallows with white, puffy confections that they love baking or roasting over a campfire. Althaea officinalis, a herb that has been an alternative medicine for over 2,000 years, is the source of these spongy edibles. People have used the herb’s leaves and roots to cure sore throats and prevent coughs. Mucilage, used in marshmallows, covers the throat and soothes discomfort.
The harvested components of an Althaea officinalis are the root and leaf systems, which are then washed and dried. Different solvents, like water and methanol, are used to make medicinal extracts from plants.
Marshmallow root is available in tea or in capsule form. This benefits coughs that are followed by sore throats.
6. Water With Salt Gargle
Bacterial overgrowth in the mouth can contribute to gum disease and tooth decay. Remember that children under six are not very adept at gargling. For this age group, it’s best to explore alternative treatments. Rinsing your mouth with salt water often can help get rid of gum bacteria. This helps keep your gums clean and prevents plaque and tartar buildup.
7. Thyme
Thyme has powerful properties that can help suppress coughs, not just for cooking. To prepare a homemade thyme tea, combine two teaspoons of crushed thyme leaves with one cup of boiling water. Allow the mixture to steep, covered, for 10 minutes before straining. The leaves of thyme have flavonoids. These flavonoids soothe the throat muscles and reduce inflammation that causes coughing..
6 Ways To Prevent Coughing
Learning different ways on how to stop a constant cough in child is good. However, it’s much better if you know how to avoid getting one in the first place. Remember that prevention is always better than cure.
Below are tips you can practice to avoid getting a cough:
- Avoid making contact with sick people. If you think you’re sick, stay at home and relax and prevent infecting others.
- When you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth.
- To lessen the mucus, use a humidifier.
- Avoid inhaling irritants like pollen, perfumes, and toxins.
- Elevate your head with an extra pillow at night.
- Reduce the mucus with apple cider vinegar (diluted or mixed with honey).
Allergy shots can also help in minimizing susceptibility to allergens. Trees, spores, dust mites, animal hair, mold, and insects are all common allergens. When it comes to allergies, knowing the allergens that may trigger you will help prevent flare-ups.
Frequently Asked Questions About Toddler Cough At Night
1. When should I worry about my child’s cough at night?
If your child has a bothersome cough that worsens at night and with activity, call a doctor. If your child has a dry cough at night, it could mean excess production of mucus, which might be a sign of asthma.
2. What does a pneumonia cough sound like?
It depends on the type of pneumonia and can be either a dry or chesty cough. Bacterial pneumonia is a serious type of pneumonia. It can cause a gurgling sound while breathing and phlegm when coughing. If your child is experiencing a cough and you worry that it may be pneumonia, see a doctor.
3. How do I know if my child’s cough is serious?
If your child has a cough and is breathing fast, has a high fever, and can’t speak normally because of the cough, you should see a doctor.
4. What does an asthma cough sound like?
An individual with asthma has a dry cough that doesn’t produce mucus. This happens if the airways constrict in response to an irritant. The constricted airway causes a high-pitched wheezing sound accompanying the cough.
Final Words
Take action immediately if you hear your toddler coughing in the middle of the night. If your symptoms are mild, you can save money on prescriptions and checkups by trying natural treatments. However, remember that reactions to these remedies differ from one person to another. If symptoms persist and keep getting worse every day, call your child’s doctor immediately.
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About The Author
I am Tracy Gorman, a seasoned writer passionate about creating helpful content. I can delve into any niche and produce valuable articles with my expertise. Beyond writing, I am an avid learner with a passion for digital marketing. During my leisure time, I enjoy immersing myself in literature, experimenting with fashion, staying active, exploring culinary delights, indulging in movies, savoring music, and socializing. And, it’s safe to say, I love cats!
