The sound a toddler makes when coughing and the symptoms that accompany it can assist in determining the cause. They could be caused by various factors, including a cold, asthma, acid reflux, or a sinus infection.

Coughs in toddlers usually go away after a few weeks. Researchers believe that 5–10% of children suffer from a chronic cough.

Causes of children cough at night:

If your child is coughing at night; he/she may be doing so to get rid of excessive mucus build-up.

Here are some common causes of toddler's cough at night:

Infection:

Colds, flu, and croup can all leave children with a persistent cough. Colds cause a mild to moderate hacking cough, the flu, a sometimes severe, dry cough, and croup, a "barking cough" with noisy breathing that occurs largely at night. Antibiotics are not used for this purpose ( Respiratory syncytial Virus), although drugs can manage them.

Acid reflux:

Coughing, frequent vomiting/spitting up, a terrible taste in the mouth, and heartburn are some of the symptoms that children may experience. Reflux treatment is determined by a child's age, health, and other factors.

Asthma:

Because symptoms differ from child to child, it can be difficult to identify asthma. However, one of several asthma symptoms is a wheezing cough that gets worse at night. A cough that comes with increased physical exertion or during play is another possibility. Asthma treatment varies depending on the cause; however, it may include avoiding triggers such as pollution, smoke, or fragrances.

Whooping cough:

Back-to-back coughs, followed by a "whooping" sound inhale, are symptoms of whooping cough, also known as pertussis. A runny nose, sneezing, and a mild temperature are all possible symptoms. The whooping cough virus is contagious, but it can be avoided with a vaccine.

Some other reasons such as being sick with a cough, inhaling a foreign body such as food or a small toy, or being exposed to irritants such as pollution from cigarettes or fireplace smoke; a child may cough out of habit.

Home remedies for child coughing at night:

Different remedies and lifestyle changes can be used to prevent nighttime coughing. These remedies depend on what's causing the cough. Further, you must need to contact a child-specialists in Karachi if the child's condition is really bad.

Elevate the head:

When a toddler is lying down, it's easier for irritants to get into your throat and these irritants cause coughing. To lift your head, put some cushions under your head.

Use a humidifier:

Dry and heated air irritates the child's throat. In winter, a child may cough when put in front of the heater. A cool-mist humidifier may help in keeping your room's air moist.

Use Honey:

Honey and a hot drink can help in releasing the sputum in the throat. Mix two tablespoons of honey into herbal tea, and drink at night. It is a bad habit to give honey to a 1-year-old baby.

Tackle your gastroesophageal reflux index:

It's easier for stomach acid to backflow into your esophagus when you're lying down. Acid reflux is the term used for this situation. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a type of acid reflux that can last for a longer period and can cause coughing at night. However, there are some lifestyle changes you may make to help with a GERD-related cough. Consider the following scenario:

• Avoid foods that make your GERD worse. If you're not sure what these items are, keep a food journal to assist you in figuring it out.
• After eating, don't lie down for at least 2.5 hours.
• Raise your bed's head by 6 to 8 inches.

Use air filters in your bedroom:

Allergy symptoms such as coughing and sneezing can arise when your immune system fights against an allergen. Coughing due to a dust allergy is normal, especially at night when you're exposed to dust mites or pet dander on your bedding.

Here are some ways to keep your bedroom free of mites:

• To decrease and avoid dust mites, use allergen covers on pillowcases, duvets, mattresses, and box springs.
• Wash your bedding in hot water.
• To get rid of common allergies, use a HEPA air filter in your bedroom.
• Allowing pets on your bed or in your bedroom is not a good idea.
• If you have carpeting, use a HEPA vacuum cleaner regularly.

When to see a doctor?

Coughing is a common occurrence among children. Colds and other viral and bacterial illnesses are among the causes.

While nighttime coughing normally goes away on its own, if more serious symptoms occur, consult a physician who can help diagnose and treat the underlying problem.

• He or she should seek medical attention.
• Running a fever coughing up blood, drooling
• Has difficulty swallowing coughing for more than 2–3 weeks

FAQs

Which cough remedies can be used for a baby under 1 year?

• Use honey
• Use a humidifier
• Elevate child's head
• Use saline water drops.

Which cough remedies are useful for the 3-month-old baby?

To treat the cough in 3 months old child; Use warm, clear fluids to treat the cough. For example, apple juice and lemonade.

Which antibiotic is best for child cough and cold?

Amoxicillin clavulanate or erythromycin are helpful in a child's cough and fever.

Book an appointment now, to answer all your queries. You can book an appointment with top child-specialists in Karachi through Marham by calling at Marham.