DS Has a Chest Cough - Tips for Flying

Updated on April 14, 2014
F.B. asks from Kew Gardens, NY
10 answers

Mamas & Papas-

DS has what is decidedly a chest cough. In all likelihood, it will resolve by next week Tuesday, when we are scheduled for a flight abroad. If it doesn't, or if it is on the tail end, any tips or suggestions on what we might do for him to make the flight more comfortable? He is three and a half, and otherwise in good health.

Thanks,
F. B.

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G.♣.

answers from Springfield on

Cough drops and gum really help me. If you think he's too you, you could just get some Luden's or Life Savors. Anything that he can suck on should help.

2 moms found this helpful

More Answers

C.V.

answers from Columbia on

What is causing his cough? Have you been to the pediatrician?

ETA: I "run to the pediatrician" for a chest cough. It's one thing when you're talking about a cough that isn't deep, but when their lungs become involved, you should be concerned for your 3 year old. And if there is a chance that it is some sort of contagious illness, it's wise to get it treated sooner than later. Especially when you're about to go on a long overseas flight.

I, personally, would be pretty pissed to find myself on a transcontinental flight sitting near a 3 year old with a nasty, untreated, undiagnosed cough. If you were staying home....sure, treat it yourself, don't go to the pediatrician. But you're going to be on a plane with 100 or more people for several hours.

If anything, you should have him checked to ensure he doesn't have an ear infection. Take it from me, there's nothing worse than the guilt of hearing your toddler shrieking in pain due to the unbearable pressure in his already infected ears...because they just won't pop. :-)

5 moms found this helpful
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L.H.

answers from Abilene on

I like Delsym cough syrup. It treats only cough and has no other stuff in it. One dose lasts 12 hours which is also nice. It is safe for everyone in the family so I can buy one cough syrup and be done. It comes in orange and grape flavors. My sister is a PA and the docs she works with is who recommended it to her.

Blessings and safe travels!
L.

2 moms found this helpful
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M.S.

answers from Washington DC on

My son just had a cough that lingered for a couple weeks then a fever hit, took him to the ped and it had turned into bronchitis.

Please run to the dr. Think of the other people on the plane, too. Normally I just let a cough run it's course, but in this case I would have it checked out before you leave.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.H.

answers from Chicago on

Honey with Ginger will help to quiet it naturally.

Call the doc, let them know that you are flying. THey will say if they want to see him and when it would be best to assiti in not missing your flight.

Good luck

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A.A.

answers from Tulsa on

We don't run to the pediatrician for just a cough, so I don't blame you for not going either. Mucinex Cough and Cold helps my little one when he's got a cough, warm drinks can help if possible on the flight.

ETA: To each their own, but a dry cough with no other symptoms isn't worth the risk of exposing my little one to a germy waiting room. There's really not much a responsible pediatrician would do for it other than suggest OTC remedies. If he had copious sputum, shortness of breath, fever, or ANY other symptoms than I would reconsider taking him.
And Gamma G is mistaken. Mucinex is an expectorant, the active ingredient is Guiafenesin. It is safe for kids under the age of 4. Robitussin, Delsym, Tussin, etc are all cough suppressants. The active ingredient in all of them is Dextromethorphan, which is NOT safe for children under the age of 4. Always check the active ingredient to make sure the generic you are buying matches with the name brand you think you are buying. Medications don't have to have "DM" in the title to be dextromethorphan. Look it up, Gamma G. Your daughter is right on this one to request the Mucinex.

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J.G.

answers from Chicago on

My oldest had a terrible cold the last time we went abroad. I had lots of suckers for her ears, and just tons of tissue. I did have her loaded up on cough syrup too. Just make sure you buy extra water once you're through security. Hydration is key.

Have fun!

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M.H.

answers from Atlanta on

Elderberry extract will boost his immune system and speed I the healing process. It won't mask any symptoms so you'll know exactly what's going on. Flights for little ones are difficult because of the change in pressure. If he was younger I would say keep a pacifier in his mouth. The sucking will keep his ears clear. At his age a lollipop, or something to suck on would help. I understand pineapple is good for a cough...

Have a great trip!
M.

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G.B.

answers from Oklahoma City on

I'd make sure to consider what kind of cough it is, dry and hacking? Then give them an expectorant right as you are about to load. This will use the fluids in his body to keep his lungs moist and not get dried out from the air in the plane. He may have a more productive cough for a little bit and annoy some of the people around him but all in all he'll dry up but not be uncomfortable from the dryness.

If it's a gooey coughing up stuff then he may need to stay gooey with an expectorant but get one that has a cough suppressant in it.

For dry coughs ANY med over the counter is likely Guaifenesin will be the MAIN ingredient.

Tussin

Robotussin

Musinex

ALL THE SAME EXACT MEDICATON IN THEM...ALL ALL ALL

I argue with my daughter all the time. She wants me to go get her meds and pay for them but wants Musinex. I tell her I can't afford nearly triple what Walmart Tussin costs and it's exactly the same.

Then DM (Dextromethorphan) is an over the counter cough suppressant. There is no clinical proof it works but it does seem to help people cough less.

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J.C.

answers from New York on

Ask your pediatrician if he can have some Mucinex Cough. He's young so you should get permission from the doc.

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