Dry cough in toddlers- Causes & Treatment

Introduction

A dry cough is one that exhales no mucous. It is frequently brought on by airway irritation, such as that brought on by a cold, the flu or allergies. While a wet cough results in the production of mucus, dry coughs can be quite painful and bothersome.

Things to help relieve a dry cough

Drinking plenty of fluids: Drinking enough of fluids keeps your throat wet and it might relieve a dry cough. Although water is the ideal option, you can also sip on juice, tea or soup.

Using a humidifier: A humidifier makes the air more humid, which can relieve a dry throat. The addition of moisture to the air can also be helped by taking a hot shower or bath.

Sucking on lozenges or cough drops: Lozenges and cough drops can help to soothe a dry throat and can also help to suppress a cough. Look for lozenges or cough drops that contain honey, menthol or eucalyptus, as these ingredients can help to relieve a cough.

Taking over-the-counter cough medicine: Cough suppressants sold over the counter can aid in controlling a cough. The two primary categories of over-the-counter cough medications are expectorants and cough suppressants. Cough suppressants help to stop the cough reflex, while expectorants help to loosen mucus so that it can be coughed up.

Common causes of dry cough in toddlers

Here are some of the common causes of dry cough in toddlers:

Viral infections: The common cold, the flu and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are all common viral infections that can cause a dry cough in toddlers.

Allergies: Allergies to dust, pollen, pet dander or other environmental irritants can also cause a dry cough in toddlers.

Irritants: Exposure to smoke, fumes or other irritants can also cause a dry cough in toddlers.

Postnasal drip: Mucus from the sinuses and nose falls down the back of the throat, causing postnasal drip. An irritating dry cough may result from this. This can irritate the throat and cause a dry cough.

How to treat dry cough in toddlers?

For viral infections, such as cold, flu, or COVID-19, give plenty of fluids, rest and fever reducers. Avoid antibiotics unless prescribed by a doctor.

For allergies, such as hay fever or asthma, identify and avoid the triggers, use antihistamines or nasal sprays as directed by a doctor, and use a humidifier or saline nasal drops to moisten the airways.

For irritants, such as smoke, dust, or chemicals, remove the source of exposure, ventilate the room and use a cool mist humidifier or steam inhalation to soothe the throat.

Home remedies to ease dry cough in toddlers

Provide some home remedies that may help ease dry cough in toddlers, such as:

Honey

Give a teaspoon of honey to children over 1 year old to coat the throat and reduce coughing.

Lemon

Add some lemon juice to warm water or tea and give it to your toddler to drink. Lemon has vitamin C and antibacterial properties that may help fight infection and inflammation.

Ginger

Grate some ginger and steep it in hot water for a few minutes. Add some honey and lemon juice after straining. Give it to your toddler to drink. Ginger has anti-inflammatory and expectorant effects that may help loosen mucus and relieve coughing.

Turmeric

Mix some turmeric powder with honey and give it to your toddler. Turmeric contains curcumin, a substance with antioxidant properties that may help lessen coughing.

When to consult a doctor?

It is important to monitor the dry cough in toddlers and seek medical help when necessary. Some of the situations when a doctor should be consulted for dry cough in toddlers are:

If the cough lasts for more than two weeks or gets worse. This could indicate a chronic condition such as asthma or GERD, or a complication from an infection such as pneumonia or bronchitis.

If the cough is accompanied by high fever (above 100.4°F or 38°C), breathing difficulties, chest pain or wheezing. These symptoms could signal a serious infection such as pneumonia, whooping cough or COVID-19.

If the cough is caused by an inhaled object or a serious infection like pneumonia or whooping cough. These situations require immediate medical attention as they can cause choking, breathing problems, or life-threatening complications.

If the cough interferes with sleep, eating or daily activities. This could affect the child’s growth, development and quality of life.

These are some of the scenarios when a doctor should be seen for dry cough in toddlers. However, there may be other cases that are not listed here. Therefore, it is advisable to trust your instincts and contact a pediatrician if you are concerned about your child’s cough or overall health.

Conclusion

A number of conditions, such as viral or bacterial infections, asthma, allergies, and irritants, can result in a dry cough in toddlers. It’s crucial to visit a doctor if your child’s cough is severe or does not go away after a few days.

Additionally, get vaccinated, avoid irritants, exposure to irritants, such as cigarette smoke.

Keep your child’s environment clean. Dust, mold, and pollen can all trigger asthma attacks, which can lead to dry cough. Make sure to keep your child’s environment clean and free of these allergens.

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