Coughs

A cough is a universally familiar symptom. It is a very basic reflex, and is usually caused by irritation to the airway, anywhere from the throat down into the lungs. It is a protective reflex, intended to get rid of foreign material and irritants. It also serves a useful purpose in infection, by getting rid of infected mucus.

Very occasionally, wax or a foreign body in the ear canal can cause a cough, as part of the ear canal is served by the same nerve that carries the cough reflex from the lungs. This is worth remembering in an otherwise well toddler, as toddlers are very fond of pushing beads or other small objects into their ear canals.

When there is a viral infection of the upper airway, sore throat or cold, a cough producing yellow or green phlegm is usual for the first few days. If such a cough lasts more than five days and shows no sign of improvement, it is worth seeing your doctor. This is especially so if fever also persists this long. Remember that a severe cough, or large quantities of phlegm in the throat, can cause vomiting, simply by irritating the soft palate, causing gagging and triggering the vomiting reflex.

A persistent, dry, non-productive cough at night, or triggered by exercise or cold air, may suggest asthma, especially if there is a family history of asthma, eczema or hayfever (these are related conditions). In this situation, seek medical advice.

What to do

The best management of a simple cough is:

• Regular steam inhalations. These soothe the airway, and encourage phlegm to be brought up. In very small children, sit with a favourite story-book and cuddly toy in a steam-filled bathroom
• Or humidify your child’s bedroom with a wet towel on the radiator. If this is not possible, run a kettle in the bedroom for a few minutes with the lid off. Don't allow your child too close to it (steam burns); don't leave it unattended or allow it to boil dry
• Raise the head of the bed or cot on books or bricks, and give an extra pillow or two if your child is over one year. Do not use a pillow for babies under one year
• Sprinkle the pillow or cot bumper with aromatic oils to help clear the airways. Or place the oils on a hanky and slide it under the cot sheet
• A spoonful of honey is usually just as effective as an over-the-counter cough mixture.
  Honey should not be given to children under the age of 12 months.
• Avoid air temperature changes and physical exertion as far as possible. These will only trigger coughing and compound the problem.

Read what babyworld doctor Jo Lee has to say about coughs in children, how to treat them and which medicines are suitable.

Read babyworld's information on homeopathic treatments for coughs

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