How to Stop a Persistent (Constant) Cough in a Child?

Causes of a persistent cough

1. Respiratory infections: Respiratory infections, including the common cold, influenza (flu), bronchitis, and pneumonia, can induce a chronic cough. 
2. Allergies: Allergic responses to pollen, dust, mold, and other irritants can cause persistent coughing. 
3. Asthma: Asthma is a chronic disorder in which the airways become inflamed and restricted, resulting in coughing, wheezing, and trouble breathing. 
4. GORD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease): Stomach acid reflux into the esophagus can cause a persistent cough, which is generally worst at night. 
5. Postnasal Drip: Excess mucus from the nose or sinuses can irritate the throat and cause chronic coughing. 
6. Bronchitis: Chronic Bronchitis is a kind of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) in which the airways become persistently irritated, resulting in a continuous cough with mucous. 
7. Environmental factors: Air pollution, chemicals, and smoking (including second-hand smoke) can all irritate the respiratory system. 
8. Lung diseases: Cystic fibrosis, and tuberculosis can all cause persistent coughing. 

Home remedies for children

1. Hydration: Encourage your kid to drink plenty of fluids, such as water, herbal teas, and clear broths. This keeps their throat wet and decreases mucous.
2. Honey: Honey can help soothe coughs in children over the age of one. Give them a spoonful of honey or combine it with warm herbal tea. Honey contains natural cough-suppressing qualities.
3. Warm fluids: Warm beverages, such as warm water or herbal teas (without caffeine), help relieve a sore throat and coughing.
4. Humidifier: Place a cool-mist humidifier in your child's bedroom, particularly at night. This keeps the air wet, which can reduce coughing and congestion.
5. Steam inhalation: Just like in adults, steam inhalation can help remove mucus and alleviate coughing in children. Create a steam tent by running a hot shower and allowing your youngster to breathe in the steam.
6. Elevate the head: Raising your child's head slightly while sleeping will help relieve nighttime coughing.
7. Saltwater nasal drops: For children with coughing caused by nasal congestion, saltwater nasal drops can help thin mucus and cleanse nasal passages.
8. Rest: Make sure your child gets enough sleep, since it helps the body recover from sickness and strengthens the immune system.
9. Warm baths: Warm baths may be pleasant and relaxing for your kid, and they may also relieve coughing.
10. Avoid irritants: Keep your kid away from smoke, strong odours, and other environmental irritants that may cause or intensify coughing.
11. Proper nutrition: Provide your kid with nutritious meals that help their immune system, such as fruits, vegetables, and warm soups. 

What to avoid?

1. Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke: Keep your child away from cigarette smoke, which can aggravate coughing and irritate the respiratory system.
2. Cough suppressants and over-the-counter drugs: Young children should not be given over-the-counter cough suppressants or medications without first speaking with a healthcare practitioner. These medicines may be unsafe or ineffective for children of a particular age. 
3. Honey for children under one year: While honey can be a calming cure for coughs in older children, it should not be administered to infants under one year old owing to the danger of infant botulism.
4. Caffeinated and sugary beverages: Avoid feeding caffeinated beverages (such as soda or caffeinated teas) and sugary drinks to youngsters, as they can dehydrate them and give little nutritional value.
5. Chilly air exposure: While fresh air is beneficial, do not expose your kid to cold air, as it can irritate their airways and exacerbate coughing.
6. Harsh chemicals and scents: Keep your youngster away from harsh cleaning chemicals, perfumes, and other strong odors that might irritate their fragile respiratory system.
7. Excessive physical activity: Encourage your kid to relax and avoid strenuous physical activity, especially if they have a severe cough or other symptoms such as fever or exhaustion.
8. Unnecessary antibiotics: Avoid compelling healthcare practitioners to give unnecessary antibiotics, as this adds to antibiotic resistance.
9. Late bedtimes: Make sure your child gets enough sleep by sticking to a regular bedtime. Sleep deprivation can weaken the immune system and cause healing to take longer.
10. Stress and anxiety: Reduce stress and anxiety in your kid, since emotional stress can exacerbate symptoms. Offer reassurance and support during their sickness. 

When to consult a doctor?

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