Nothing is quite as frustrating, heartbreaking, and disruptive as a child who can’t stop coughing. The reality is that kids can cough for what feels like an eternity, lingering long after the initial illness has passed. And if your little one is coughing at night? You can forget about getting any sleep; it’s a total nightmare.
But perhaps the most challenging part of having a coughing child is the limited options for relief. First off, over-the-counter cough medications are off-limits for kids under four, due to the potential for “dangerous side effects,” as noted by the Academy of American Pediatrics (AAP). Even for older kids, these medications often miss the mark. I remember struggling to get my restless five-year-old to swallow a sticky cough syrup he detested. After three sleepless nights, I abandoned the effort—it was ineffective and just made him gag.
So, what’s a weary parent to do? Thankfully, experts suggest a straightforward and natural alternative: honey. According to a recent article from NPR, honey may be an effective remedy for a persistent cough. (Remember, honey should never be given to children under the age of one.)
As Dr. Leo Hartman, a pediatric infectious disease specialist, mentioned to NPR, “Honey is as effective as many commercial cough products.” Dr. Sarah Lee, a pediatrician and spokesperson for the AAP, also supports this idea, stating, “Honey possesses natural antibacterial and antiviral properties.” The thickness of honey can coat the throat, alleviating that irritating dry sensation that triggers coughing.
Dr. Lee points out that honey is often a superior choice compared to most over-the-counter cough syrups, which can have harmful side effects, including elevated blood pressure and increased heart rate. “Studies show that cough medicines just don’t work well for kids,” Dr. Lee stated. For instance, research published in JAMA Pediatrics in 2007 found that honey outperformed the common cough medicine dextromethorphan (DM) in easing coughs, even those pesky nighttime ones. The findings indicated that “honey may be a preferable treatment for cough and sleep issues associated with childhood upper respiratory infections.”
Isn’t that fantastic? Plus, I know my kids will gladly take honey. It’s inexpensive and entirely natural—what a win-win!
How to Use Honey for Your Child’s Cough
The AAP offers some straightforward recommendations:
- Never give honey to infants under one year old due to the risk of botulism.
- For kids aged one to five, half a teaspoon can be effective.
- Children aged six to eleven may take one teaspoon.
- For those twelve and older, two teaspoons could do the trick.
Don’t forget to brush your child’s teeth after honey consumption at night to prevent cavities. The beauty of using a common food like honey is that you can adjust the dosage based on your child’s needs. However, overdoing it with honey isn’t wise since it’s high in sugar, unless you want them bouncing off the walls.
In addition to honey, the AAP suggests other natural remedies, such as using humidifiers, saline nose drops to clear congestion, and mentholated rubs like Vicks. However, if your child’s cough is accompanied by other concerning symptoms like fever or shortness of breath, it’s crucial to reach out to your pediatrician for guidance.
Fortunately, I haven’t encountered a troublesome cough in my household this season—knock on wood. But if that changes, you can bet I’ll be reaching for the honey. I’m sure my kids, who detest medicine yet love sugar, will appreciate it too.
For more insights on this topic, check out our other blog post here and for expert advice, refer to this resource.
In summary, honey is a natural remedy that can effectively soothe a child’s cough, making it a preferable option over many commercial cough medications. Just remember to adhere to safety guidelines regarding age and dosage.