Is Your Toddler Coughing at Night? Here’s How Probiotics Can Help

Coughing with Fever

When you find out that your child has a cough and a fever at night, you should not be alarmed. Instead, you should keep an eye on the signs and see if they worsen over time. 

Below are some of the symptoms flu have:

• fever
• coughing
• vomiting
• loss of appetite

Remember that toddlers may develop a middle ear infection if the condition worsens without medication. Additionally, you should not give aspirin to toddlers when they have a fever. Instead, acetaminophen or ibuprofen should be provided.

One more thing, coughing and fever are two of the most common symptoms of COVID-19. If you think that your child has COVID-19, you should speak with a doctor immediately. Start self-isolating and request to get a test done, especially when your child mingled with people who have recently tested positive for the illness.

7 Best Natural Toddler Cough Remedies

If you think your toddler’s nighttime coughing is just getting started, try natural treatments first to avoid things getting worse. Before seeing a specialist, try any of the natural remedies mentioned below and see if the coughs will improve.

1. Probiotics

While probiotics do not specifically cure coughing, they do help stabilize the gastrointestinal flora. People who take a probiotic 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 being administered different strains of probiotics.

Since there are many different types of probiotics, you can consult a doctor to determine which one is best for you and your disease. Probiotics can be obtained most naturally: by consuming fermented foods, such as:

• Miso
• Sauerkraut
• Yogurt
• Kefir
• Sourdough

2. Honey

Honey has been used to treat sore throats for a long time now. You can mix up to 2 teaspoons of honey with herbal tea or warm water and lemon to try and cure your cough at home. Additionally, honey and cinnamon can aid in removing phlegm from the throat while also boosting the immune system. The lemon juice mixed with honey contains antioxidants that can help improve the immune system and clear mucus.

3. Peppermint

Peppermint leaves are well-known for their inherent soothing qualities and can be obtained by consuming peppermint tea or inhaling peppermint vapors from a steam bath. Peppermint contains menthol, which soothes the throat and serves as a decongestant. It can aid in the breakdown of mucus. Alternatively, a steam bath can also do the job, with 3 or 4 drops of peppermint oil added for every 5 ounces of hot water.

4. Bromelain

Bromelain is believed to treat allergies and asthma-related respiratory disorders. It is a combination of enzymes found in pineapple juice and has powerful anti-inflammatory effects. It is also thought to have mucolytic properties, which can help in the breakdown and expulsion of mucus.

In addition, it is good to eat a slice of pineapple or consume 3.5 ounces of fresh pineapple juice three times a day to reap the maximum benefits from pineapple and bromelain. If you’re taking antibiotics like amoxicillin, be cautious about using bromelain since it can boost the antibiotic’s 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. Althea officinalis, a herb that has been used as an alternative medicine for over 2,000 years, is the source of these spongy edibles. The herb’s leaves and roots have been used to cure sore throats and prevent coughs. Mucilage, used in marshmallows, covers the throat and soothes discomfort.

The harvested components of an officinalis are the root and leaf systems, which are then washed and dried. Solvents ranging from water to methanol are used to create extracts of plant materials for medicinal use.

Marshmallow root is now available as a tea or in capsule form. This is good for 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 the age of six are not very adept at gargling. For this age group, it is best to explore alternative treatments. Gargling with salt water regularly can help remove bacteria from the gums, which aids in cleaning and avoiding plaque and tartar accumulation.

7. Thyme

Thyme isn’t just useful for flavoring poultry; it is also an effective cough suppressant. To make Thyme tea at home, combine 2 teaspoons of crushed thyme leaves and 1 cup boiling water. Before straining, cover and steep for 10 minutes. The leaves include flavonoids, which calm the muscles in the throat that cause coughing and reduce inflammation.

5 Ways to Prevent Coughing

Learning how to cure a cough is good. However, it is 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 cough:

1. Avoid making contact with sick people. If you think you’re sick, stay at home and relax and prevent infecting others.
2. When you cough or sneeze, ensure that you cover your nose and mouth.
3. To lessen the mucus, use a humidifier.
4. Avoid inhaling irritants like pollen, perfumes, and toxins.
5. Elevate your head with an additional pillow at night.
6. Reduce the mucus with apple cider vinegar (diluted or mixed with honey).

Allergy shots can also be beneficial in reducing the 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.

Final Words

Take action right away if you hear your toddler coughing in the middle of the night. To avoid spending a lot of money on prescriptions and checkups, you can try the natural treatments we’ve included in this article if the symptoms are still mild. However, keep in mind that reactions to these remedies differ from one person to another. If symptoms persist and keep getting worse every day, call your childs doctor immediately.