How To Cure A Dry Cough In Children

A dry cough is when a cough does not produce any mucus. It also tends to cause irritation, and if left untreated, it can get worse the more one coughs. A dry cough in children is very common for children under 10 years of age, and can occur several times a year, for various reasons.

This condition affects both children and adults. Sometimes it is a necessary evil as it is a way to get rid of a foreign body, something you ingested, or is the symptom of another disease.

Although a dry cough is seen as a disorder, it is actually a natural mechanism to remove obstructions from the throat.

Causes of a dry cough in children

There are many possible causes of dry cough in children. The most common is inflammation caused by hay fever, bronchitis or laryngitis, among others.

There are also some special situations that can cause dry cough without there being an underlying disease. An example would be when in an environment filled with tobacco smoke, high humidity, or when a sudden temperature change occurs.

Some of the most common causes of dry cough in children are the following:

• Very cold or dry environment
• Air conditioning
• Strong odors
• Allergic reactions
• Very dusty places
• Respiratory tract irritation caused by a cold or flu
• As a result of gastric regurgitation or a similar condition

Parents will often look for a way to cure their child’s dry cough. Whether it is a form of medicine, or a natural remedy, they want to relieve their discomfort.

Let’s take a look at some natural remedies to relieve a dry cough in children.

Natural treatments to relieve a dry cough in children

There are many natural remedies to relieve the symptoms of a dry cough in children. They help to comfort your child and make them feel more comfortable.

Drink enough fluids

When suffering from respiratory irritation, it is really important to drink enough fluids to improve the symptoms.

Make sure your child drinks enough water during the day. This will keep the membranes moist. They should drink the liquid at room temperature to minimize the cough effectively.

Steam bath

Steam baths are another way to help your child.

To achieve the best results, your child should inhale the steam if possible for approx. 20 minutes. This will help reduce irritation and moisturize the airways.

Check the temperature yourself first so that it is not so hot that they burn.

Juice without citrus fruits

If your child has a dry cough, it is very important that the juice you give them is without citrus fruits and not hot. This is because these will generate mucus.

Remember that the airways are part of the skin. The mucous membrane, as well as the rest of your skin, should be treated at room temperature.

Humidifier

Place a humidifier in your child’s bedroom and let it run for a few minutes while your child is out of the room. The idea is that the room should be moist and warm.

You can also add some essential oils of laurel or eucalyptus. The scent helps clear the airways, and makes them relax when they go to bed.

Drink honey and lemon

A tablespoon of honey with a few drops of lemon before bedtime is a great way to relieve a dry cough in children.

It is quite common for a dry cough to get worse at night because your baby is lying down. This in turn increases the discomfort and irritation of the mucous membrane.

Recipe for a natural cough syrup

This recipe is good for relieving a dry cough and it is made with lemon and honey.

Although lemon is a citrus fruit, it can alkalize the body very quickly. Honey helps remove bacteria and moisturizes the throat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup honey (336 ml)
• 1/2 cup water (125 ml)
• 1 lemon

How to do it

• Heat the honey in a pan over low heat ( do not let it boil or it will lose its properties).

• Pour the water into a pan and add the whole lemon.
• Cook the lemon for 3 minutes until soft.
• Remove the lemon from the heat, strain the water and allow to cool. Then cut the lemon into slices and remove the seeds.
• Tip the lemon slices into the honey while heating and cook it at a low temperature for an hour.
• Then remove the mixture from the heat and remove the lemon slices.
• Finally, cool it and pour into a sterile container with a lid.

Both adults and children can use this syrup and it is great for relieving a dry cough in children. They must be given half a teaspoon three times a day. Adults should be given a tablespoon as often as they deem necessary.

It is very important to keep an eye on your baby’s dry cough. If you have tried these remedies and the cough still persists after a while, be sure to see a doctor.