What Should I Do if My Child Keeps Coughing at Night?

Update Date: 2024-05-17 Source: Network

What to Do When Your Child Coughs Frequently at Night

Due to the developing body, children's resistance is not as strong as adults, and thus they may experience some adverse symptoms. Persistent coughing at night can affect a child's sleep, which in turn can impact their physical development. Therefore, it is crucial to promptly address the underlying issue and provide appropriate treatment. Many parents are unsure how to handle this situation, so let's explore some options together.

Section 1: How to Manage Frequent Coughing at Night in Children

1. Elevate the child's pillow to a higher position.

2. During intervals of coughing, change the child's position to a side-lying posture or hold them in a side-lying position. Gently pat their back to help expel mucus. It is important to avoid administering cough medication randomly as this may suppress the cough center and hinder mucus expulsion.

3. Maintain good indoor air circulation, ensuring the environment is not dry or odorous, and avoid burning mosquito coils.

4. It is best to avoid using air conditioning. If necessary, turn it on for a short period before bedtime to adjust the indoor temperature or use other methods to regulate the temperature, creating a comfortable sleeping environment for the child.

Section 2: Additional Cough Relief Methods

1. Steam inhalation: For children with persistent coughing, symptoms may be alleviated in an environment with a room temperature of around 20℃ and a humidity level of 60%-65%. If the cough is severe, expose the child to steam or sit with them in a steamy bathroom for 5 minutes. The moist air can help clear mucus from the lungs and soothe the cough.

2. Hot water bottle application: Fill a hot water bottle with water around 40℃ and wrap it in a thin towel. Apply it to the child's back near the lungs. This can help dispel coldness and quickly stop the cough. This method is particularly effective for early-stage coughs caused by colds.

3. Warm drinks: Drinking warm beverages can thin mucus in the throat, relieve tension in the respiratory mucosa, and promote coughing up of mucus. It is best to offer warm water, milk, rice soup, or fresh fruit juice (preferably non-citrus fruits like apple or pear juice) to the child.

Section 3: Improving Cough with Radish

Boiling radish water can be beneficial. First, wash the white radish and cut it into 4-5 thin slices. Place them in a small pot, add about half a bowl of water, and bring to a boil over high heat. Then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. This can help improve coughing symptoms.