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Cough

Cough is a common symptom in children, especially in the fall and winter when respiratory infections are prevalent. Cough is often related to a viral infection such as a cold, and may last for several weeks. Cough is often worse at night when children are lying flat and they have mucus dripping from the back of their noses into their throats. Cough can be frustrating as it often causes sleep disruption. To relieve cough in all age groups, you can try running a humidifier, using nasal saline and suctioning, sitting in a steamy bathroom prior to bedtime, and elevating the head of the bed (place a roll UNDER the crib mattress for babies less than 1 year or use pillows for older children). Children over 1 year old can try a 1/2-1 teaspoon of honey prior to bedtime. Children over 4 years old can use over the counter cough suppressants such as dextromethorphan.

If your child’s cough is accompanied by labored breathing or persistent fever, please call the office or the on-call doctor.

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