Dealing with a child who has a persistent cough can be incredibly frustrating and worrisome. Coughs in children can linger for weeks, often outlasting the initial illness. And when nighttime rolls around, a child who can’t stop coughing can turn your peaceful home into a sleepless nightmare.
One of the most challenging aspects of managing a child’s cough is the limited options available for relief. Over-the-counter cough medications are not recommended for children under four years old due to the risk of serious side effects, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Even for older children, these medications often prove ineffective. I remember battling with my five-year-old to take that awful cough syrup—it was a losing battle that yielded no relief.
So, what can exhausted parents do? According to a recent article from NPR, honey may be the answer. This simple, natural remedy found in your kitchen could effectively soothe your child’s cough. Note: honey should never be given to infants under one year old due to the risk of botulism.
“Honey is at least as effective as those many, many products that you see in the drugstore,” states Dr. Greg Thompson, an infectious disease expert at Children’s Health Center. Dr. Lisa Grant, a pediatrician and spokesperson for the AAP, supports this claim. “Honey possesses natural antibacterial and antiviral properties,” she explains. “Its thickness can coat the throat, alleviating that irritating dry cough.”
Dr. Grant emphasizes that honey is not just a viable option; it often outperforms many cough syrups on the market. She points out that the promotion of cough medicines for children tends to be exaggerated. “Research indicates cough medications aren’t very effective in children,” she adds.
For instance, a 2007 study published in JAMA Pediatrics found honey to be more effective for cough relief than the common OTC medicine dextromethorphan (DM). The research concluded that honey could be a preferable treatment for coughs linked to upper respiratory infections in children, especially at night.
Isn’t that fantastic? Plus, the best part is that kids generally love honey. It’s an affordable and completely natural option.
How to Administer Honey for Cough Relief
The AAP has provided some easy guidelines:
- Never give honey to a child under one year old due to botulism risks.
- Children aged one to five can have about half a teaspoon of honey.
- Kids aged six to eleven may take one teaspoon.
- Children aged twelve and older can have two teaspoons.
Remember to brush your child’s teeth afterward to avoid cavities, as honey is high in sugar.
Besides honey, the AAP suggests other natural remedies like humidifiers, saline nose drops, and mentholated rubs such as Vicks. However, if your child’s cough is accompanied by other concerning symptoms—like fever or difficulty breathing—don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician for guidance.
Thankfully, I haven’t faced a persistent cough in my home this season, but if that changes, I’ll definitely be reaching for the honey. I have a feeling my kids, who dislike medicine and adore sweets, will appreciate it too. For more insights on managing coughs in children, check out this related post on home insemination.
In summary, honey proves to be a safe, effective remedy for soothing children’s coughs, making it a preferable alternative to many over-the-counter options. Always prioritize safety and consult a pediatrician if symptoms escalate.