Coughs are nearly a rite of passage for kids, occurring several times a year and sometimes hanging around longer than parents wish. Having to witness your kid hack, have trouble sleeping, and be miserable can be stressful and tiring. But most coughs are really your child’s body at work—cleaning out mucus and irritants from the airways. Parents’ problem is knowing how to assist without harming their child.
For decades, over-the-counter cough and cold medications have been the first choice. Now, experts are reconsidering. The American Academy of Pediatrics and other professional associations discourage administration of these drugs to children younger than four, and caution against them until age six. Most of these drugs don’t perform as well as expected and may have side effects varying from sleepiness and queasiness to more complicated reactions such as increased heartbeat or confusion. Pediatrician Raj Rambhatla describes that cough is a protective reflex, and suppressing it isn’t necessarily the best approach. Rather, focus has turned to safer, more supportive treatments.
One of the oldest treatments that has survived the ages—and now enjoys some empirical backing—is honey. Numerous studies indicate that honey can decrease cough frequency and severity more than a placebo, and in a few instances, even beat certain cough medicines. A study published in the European Journal of Pediatrics discovered that honey not only alleviated coughs but also allowed children and their parents—sleep. Although the evidence isn’t ideal, the results are promising for parents seeking calm relief.
Keep in mind that honey is not a magic bullet. The effects are generally small—small decreases in cough intensity—but even a little bit of relief can make bedtime for a weary child and a sleep-deprived parent infinitely easier. Honey should not be administered at all to children under the age of one, since it can trigger a rare but serious form of infant botulism.
Unlike over-the-counter cough drugs, honey is usually the better choice. Cough suppressants and syrups have not always relieved children’s coughs and have the potential to produce side effects. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also says that viruses are responsible for most childhood coughs, not bacteria, so antibiotics won’t do any good and might even be dangerous.
So what can parents do to help calm a child’s cough? Supportive care is the best. Hydrating your child with water, juice, or warm liquids such as tea with honey will soothe the throat and loosen mucus. A cool-mist humidifier will ease breathing. Saline drops and gentle suction will clear plugged noses, particularly in younger children who cannot blow their own noses. In older children with sore throats, saltwater gargles or lozenges provide relief—but watch for choking hazards.
Rest is perhaps the simplest and effective treatment. The body will heal in its best way with rest, so promote quiet time and additional sleep. If pain or fever is causing your child to be uncomfortable, acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be safely used in age-determined amounts. Never use aspirin, which causes Reye’s syndrome in children.
Even healthy remedies come with their exceptions. Although honey is safe for children above one year, occasional side effects of nausea or vomiting have been noted. Quality of the product also counts. A recent honey cough syrup recall for contamination is a reminder to pay attention to the labels and be up to date.
Patience is often the best tool. Most coughs will resolve on their own, even if it feels like an eternity while you’re in the thick of it. Seek medical advice if your child has trouble breathing, a persistent high fever, or a cough lasting more than a few weeks. For everyday coughs, a spoonful of honey, a cozy bed, and a little TLC can go a long way in helping your child feel better.