consistant cough --- how do you control it?

[smilesandsun]

Hi,

What do ou do to help control a persistant cough? There are so many cough syrups etc but I haven't found one that really works.

Dr said its just a cold but that was 5 days ago, should I take him back again?

thx

Is this you or child? Tbh there isn't much that really helps (for adults night nurse or covonia work better than most but not always). Sips of water , damp tea towel on. Radiator to make room damp or propping up o pillows can help.

The bug we have had does seem to have a particularly persisitent cough (about 10 days for dd and same and more for
Dh).

Also if it's really violent persistent coughing it can be something you get from
Asthma so may be worth getting that checked out if none of
Above work.

First of all, 5 days really doesn't count as persistent. Post-nasal drip can prolong a cough for weeks. None of the OTC medicines work, so stick with simple measures as above and just tough it out. Unless actually unwell, of course.

unfortunately the cough medicines that really work have horrible side effects and therefore are not available over the counter (and no dr would prescribe them to a small child anyway).
what helps a little is fennel or chamomile tea with a little honey, vicks vapo rub and lying a little raised when sleeping.
is he breething fine?
signs of breathlessness = see a dr

• sucking skin between ribs and this little gap above the breastbone
• dry sounding cough in the night (more cough when just settling down in bed is normal, though)
• grey/blue lips

yes i've found that the orc don't seem to make a difference. Its so difficult to watch them struggle day and night coughing....

If he is struggling as you describe it
Then take him I docs to check its not asthma.

no his breathing is fine and he is not asthmatic. I'll try some of the other suggestions....

How old is he? If over 6 I find Medised really helps as it contains paracetamol and an antihistimine which helps to control the nasal secretions and post nasal drip

Or the alternative if over six is sudafed

Hot Ribena and if the middle of the night get the child up and fully awake to drink it.
Lying in bed trying not to cough is vile, been there and got a wardrobe full of teashirts
You can't get the only cough med that ever worked any more, fucking drug addicts concentrate the interesting bit.
Personally I'd don't give a damn if they poison themselves.

thanks again for the hints, I haven't tried medised, or Hot Ribena and I didn't even know you could get sedated for children that young.

Fingers crossed something works, my washing machine has been working overtime!