Toddler & hacking cough

[sowhoknowswhat]

Been to the docs, it’s viral, have given him pain relief, tilted his mattress, put Vicks on his feet, nothing is helping at night time. I feel so sorry for him. 2 mins of sleep then hack hack hack until it either stops again briefly or he’s sick. There’s nothing else I can do is there? Room has been aired out all day also.

Is he snotty? Saline nasal drops help if so (recommended at A&E). If it sounds like croup, cold night air is actually recommended these days more than a warm steamy shower https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37525974/

Sometimes I give ibuprofen when my LO has a cough just to ease the irritation and sore throat that must go with it.

Total aside - I'm always intrigued by Vicks on the feet. Can't think how that's meant to work. Snufflebabe or Vicks on the chest - at least they can smell it, the menthol might help them feel they are breathing easier. But the feet... You don't even get the benefit of the comforting smell. Surely an old wives' tale?

Vicks needs to go on the chest not the feet. It’s a complete old wives tale that it should go on feet unless you’re using it as a moisturiser.

Have you tried saline drops? They’re also good for clearing the airways.