Nothing is quite as frustrating and exhausting as dealing with a child who has a persistent cough. Kids can cough for weeks, long after an initial illness has passed, and if it strikes at night, it can lead to sleepless nights for the whole household. The struggle is real!
The challenge with a coughing child is that effective remedies can be hard to come by. For instance, over-the-counter cough medicines are not recommended for children under four years old due to the risk of serious side effects, as noted by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Even for older kids, these medications can often be ineffective. I remember trying to convince my five-year-old to take a sticky cough syrup that he despised. After three sleepless nights, I threw in the towel—not only was it a battle, but it wasn’t even helping his cough.
So, what can exhausted parents do? According to a recent article from NPR, there may be a simple, natural solution right in your kitchen: honey. (Just a quick note: honey is not safe for children under one year old.)
Dr. Mark Thompson, an infectious disease specialist at a children’s hospital, shared with NPR that “honey is at least as effective as the numerous products you find at the pharmacy.” Dr. Laura Greene, a pediatrician and spokesperson for the AAP, supports this claim, stating, “Honey has natural antibacterial and antiviral properties.” Its thick consistency can coat the throat, alleviating that irritating dry tickle that leads to coughing.
Research backs this up too! A 2007 study in JAMA Pediatrics revealed that honey outperformed the common cough medicine dextromethorphan (DM) in treating coughs, particularly those pesky nighttime ones. The study concluded that honey is a preferable option for managing coughs and sleep disturbances linked to respiratory infections in children.
Not only is honey effective, but it’s also something my kids love. It’s a budget-friendly and completely natural remedy—talk about a win-win!
How to Use Honey for Cough Relief
Here’s how to use honey for cough relief, based on AAP guidelines:
- Never give honey to infants under one due to the risk of botulism.
- Children aged one to five can have about half a teaspoon.
- Kids aged six to eleven can have one teaspoon.
- For children twelve and older, two teaspoons may be appropriate.
Remember to brush your child’s teeth after giving honey at night to prevent cavities! These are general guidelines, and adjusting the dosage to suit your child’s needs is perfectly fine, though overdoing it on honey, which is high in sugar, isn’t advisable unless you want them to bounce off the walls.
In addition to honey, the AAP suggests other natural remedies like using humidifiers, saline sprays to clear nasal congestion, and mentholated rubs such as Vicks. If your child’s cough is accompanied by other symptoms like a fever or difficulty breathing, consult your pediatrician for guidance.
Fortunately, I haven’t faced a persistent cough in my household this season, but if I do, I’ll definitely reach for the honey. I have a feeling my kids (who aren’t fans of medicine but love sweets) will appreciate it too.
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In summary, honey can be a safe and effective remedy for your child’s cough, providing relief without the side effects of conventional medications. Always consult with your pediatrician if you have concerns about your child’s health.
Keyphrase: honey for cough relief
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