how do I stop DS non-stop coughing? :(

[Sugarmagnolia]

DS (6) has had the usual cough/cold/fever since last Thursday/Friday. Fever is pretty much gone and he's mostly ok but he just can not stop coughing. He's coughed all through the night the last couple of nights and I feel so bad that I can't help him. I have tried EVERYTHING - Benelyn, Sootha, homeopathic remedies, raising the head of his bed with extra pillows, a damp washcloth over the radiator...

please, any new suggestions ...???

Wait three days! Sorry but with these things they do drag on.

We have bought a steamer from Argos - has helped a bit. It is the worst noise in the middle of the night isn't it?

If you find a cure please let me know - day 4 and counting .... x2dc

I think we have a steamer somewhere - he used to get bad coughs as a baby. Might go try and find it, although not hugely hopeful as he was coughing just as badly immediately after his shower tonight.

Vicks vapour rub can work wonders on a cough.

Could be developing infant asthma? Both of mine have it, very time they are ill they cough, it sounds like coffee makers that need descaling, very distinct coughing. Get GP to check it out.

and if he coughs all night can I send him to school tomorrow?

Ours have been - don't think I'm so popular atm though . If he is exhausted then don't.

Thanks LIZS will see how he is in the am. DD been unwell too but she just seems to have a sore throat without the coughing. Hoping to send them both back tomorrow but not sure. Supposed to go to work but will cancel if i have to.

I read something recently which suggested rubbing Vick, or something like it, into the soles of the feet (put socks on afterwards!)

Supposedly the rubbing is soothing, & also the Vick gets into your system more quickly that way?

Sounds bonkers but worth a try anyway. Good luck

If it is a dry tickly cough our doctor advised us try a spoon of Piriton allergy relief before bed and prop the child up.

He said most child cough medicines are useless. The Piriton makes the child drowsy which aids sleep but the main thing is suppressing the cough-tickle-cough cycle response.

It really works. Use it myself and on DSs. Not if it is phlegmy cough though only a tickly dry cough.

When my son had a similar cough I raised the end of the bed with books and gave him Medised to try to knock him out for a bit just so he'd get some rest. Making sure they blow their nose really well can also help a lot with the coughing.

If not a bit better in a few days, see the doc.

Thanks for all the advice. The steamer seems to have helped - he did eventually settle down!