How to Help Your Child with a Cough (When There’s No Fever)
- Maryal Concepcion
- Dec 28, 2024
- 2 min read
Coughing is pretty common in kids, especially when they catch a cold. But what if your child has a cough that isn’t paired with a fever? Here’s a simple guide that can help you understand what’s normal and how to make your child feel better.
What Causes Cough Without Fever?
A cough without a fever is often caused by a cold or another minor issue like allergies or dry air. It’s usually not something to worry about and often gets better on its own.
How Long Does a Cough Last?
Most coughs go away in about 10 days, but some can hang around longer. In fact, up to 1 in 10 young kids might still have a cough after three weeks. If the cough isn’t getting better by then, or if it’s getting worse, it’s a good idea to see a doctor.
What NOT to Do
Here are some things you should avoid when treating a cough:
No over-the-counter cough and cold medicines: These medicines don’t work well for kids and can have side effects.
No honey for babies under one year old: Honey can be dangerous for infants because of a rare condition called botulism.
No codeine or strong cough medicines: These can cause serious problems like trouble breathing.
What CAN You Do?
There are plenty of safe and simple ways to help your child feel better:
Use honey (if they’re over 1 year old): A spoonful of honey can soothe their throat and reduce coughing. Botulism is a risk and a recent case just happened at a local children's hospital around the time of this blog.
Try saline spray or drops: These can clear up a stuffy nose and make it easier to breathe.
Use a humidifier: Adding moisture to the air can help with dry coughs.
Encourage fluids: Water, warm tea, or clear soups can keep their throat hydrated and comfortable.
Raise their head while sleeping: Propping up their pillow might help reduce nighttime coughing.
When to Call the Doctor
If the cough lasts longer than 3 weeks, or if your child seems to be struggling to breathe, is wheezing, or has other unusual symptoms, call your doctor or non-physician provider. They might want to check for asthma or other conditions.
Bottom Line
A cough without a fever is usually not a big deal. Stick to natural remedies like honey, hydration, and a humidifier. Avoid over-the-counter medicines unless your doctor says otherwise. And remember, most coughs go away on their own within a couple of weeks!
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