Home Remedies for Dry Cough

Updated on March 24, 2009
K.C. asks from San Marcos, CA
8 answers

Hola moms,

My 4yrs old daughter started to cough two days ago. She wakes up at night coughing. Tomorrow's her birthday party. I would like for her to enjoy her day but I dont know what else I can give her. She's been looking forward to her birthday party. There are lots of people that aren't able to show up. She's a bit sad that her best friend wont be able to celebrate with her tomorrow but she will make it up. So I really dont want to cancel her birthday party. I've been giving her lots of fluids like orange juice and water. Is there something else I can give her to soothe her coughing? What kind of warm drinks can I give her? Should I continue to give her milk? Please help. Thanks in advanced!

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So What Happened?

Hola moms,

Thank you all for your response and advices. By not giving her anymore OJ but more water and juices, elavating her head at night, and having the humidifier on, it help her feel more comfortable during the day & night. I was so glad that she was able to sleep through the night. She still have a bit of a cough but I'm sure it will be gone in a week or so. Since we were preparing for her party we didn't have a chance to try heating a pot with vapor rub...definitely I will try that next time since I know what to do when she gets it again. Well, thank you all again. Take care, K.

More Answers

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C.M.

answers from Las Vegas on

When the seasons change I always put a little vicks vapor rub in a pot on the stove and boil it. It does wonders, and no more coughs. Even plain water boiling will humidify the air in your house and help.

1 mom found this helpful
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H.D.

answers from Las Vegas on

Hi, my doctor actually suggests not giving kids citrus drinks with a cough because it can make the phlem thicker and harder to get up. I usually still give milk if she wants it, but I found watered down white grape juice works best. also, try raising the head of her bed at night (I use some stuffed animals) it really seems to help her sleep better wich clears up a cough faster than any meds I've tried.

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J.B.

answers from Sacramento on

I have heard honey is a good natural remedy. You can give her a spoonful, or add it to hot(warm) water to soothe her throat. I grew up with a dry cough (and still get it every winter) and have memories of my mom sitting up with me in the middle of the night giving me lemon tea with honey and/or taking me into the bathroom with a hot shower running. Sometimes even taking me outside into the fresh air would stop a coughing "attack." Good luck!

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K.K.

answers from San Francisco on

Glad she is better! As a side note: my kids have terrible problems with coughing at night when they get a cold. I use a Vicks hot humidifier from Walgreens that comes with a liquid Vicks solution to add with the water so they get the benefit of the vapors as well. (WE have to add a handful of sea salt to our water to keep it from clogging with mineral deposits, but your water may be different). This always works great - just put a towel under it so it doesn't ruin anything with the dampness. Also, if her coughing is just incessant, you can ask your doctor about prescribing phenergan with codeine cough syrup. WE use that when sleep has become impossible. It helps them relax and sleep. Sometimes young kids can't control the urge to cough as older folks do. BTW Check and make sure you don't have any hidden mold or mildew under carpets etc - she might be allergic. My son coughed for months when he was 4 before I discovered rain water had been leaking into the house under his bed and his carpet pad was full of mildew! I moved him to another room and he stopped coughing immediately. good luck

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R.P.

answers from Salinas on

K.,

My husband is a nurse and according to him you should stop the orange juice because it will cause mucuse build up and us apple or grape juice. But as a mother I would suggest warm water and thick soups to calm the irritation.

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N.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hello, well when my son has dry coughs i usually go in the bathroom close the door and turn on the hot water from the sink and the tub and let him breath the vapor, but don't stay in there too long. good luck and if you do try it let me know how it went. have fun at the party!

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M.J.

answers from Sacramento on

I work with my sons pediatrician and during the winter my son get very dry cough my peds always recommends the vicks vaporisor not humidifier with a couple of vicks drops in the water they sell the med for the vaporisors at target or walmart the medicine is very strong so make sure to not overload the machine. this med is not to be given orally just in the vaporisor. My mom also recommends 1 teaspoon of natural honey with a little bit of lemon or chamomille tea both warm. let me know if this worked for you.

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J.J.

answers from Fresno on

K.,
We have been fighting the same thing most of the Spring season. Our pediatrician said our 3 yr old son has allergies. I tried OTC Claritin but it just wasn't effective enough, so he is now on a prescription of Zyrtec. You can do the usual of Vicks on her chest, a humidifier at night, plenty of fluids, and even just an OTC cough suppressant, but then, I know none of these are homeopathic. You might try Dr. Sears' website: askdrsears.com. Good luck!

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