How can you relieve night-time coughs?

Nocturnal coughing can occur especially with infections and asthma. If it occurs in the context of asthma, an increase in the medication dose should be considered together with the pediatrician in charge. It is important to ensure that the medication is taken regularly in order to effectively reduce the existing inflammation of the lower respiratory tract.

Humidification of the indoor air is not recommended for asthma, especially if it is an allergic asthma, since dust mites, which can trigger asthma attacks, can multiply particularly well in warm, humid indoor air. However, if you have a cough due to infection, you can moisten the air in the room with a pot of hot water before going to bed. In addition enough should be drunk and it can be inhaled.

Alternatively, the child can take a bath in the evening, in which the mucous membrane is moistened by steam. A cough-relieving medication (antitussive) can be given exclusively for dry coughs, but a pediatrician should be consulted beforehand. Unfortunately, even with optimal care, coughing at night during infections cannot be prevented, but must be waited for. If there is any uncertainty, a pediatrician should be consulted.

When should I see a doctor?

When a visit to the doctor is advisable depends in particular on the form of the cough, the accompanying symptoms and the duration of the symptoms. A pediatrician should first be consulted if the parents feel unsure. In general, however, it is not necessary to go to the emergency room at night. A doctor should be consulted quickly if certain warning symptoms (“red flags”) occur. These include high fever, shortness of breath, severe chest pain, bloody sputum, sudden coughing that seems unusual and coughing that lasts longer than six weeks.

Home remedies

As a symptomatic therapy, many different home remedies can be used for coughing. It is important to make sure that you have a sufficient supply of fluids. Tea, especially slightly sweetened linden blossom tea, is particularly helpful here, as it does not irritate or dry out the mucous membranes and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Alternatively, chamomile tea or milk with honey can be used. Children love the natural sweetness of honey and at the same time the anti-inflammatory properties of honey help. Inhalation and warm, humid air generally help well with infections.

Sea salt or camomile extract can be added. Salt prevents the mucous membranes from drying out in the long term and chamomile has an anti-inflammatory effect. Alternatively, eucalyptus, sage or thyme can be used.All these substances dissolve mucus and help the body to survive the inflammation.

Peppermint and other essential oils should be avoided in children, as they irritate the mucous membranes. Especially in cases of a blocked nose and accompanying sinusitis, as well as if there is a lot of mucus due to an infection, a nasal rinsing with salt water or a red light lamp can help. Onion juice is considered an old household remedy for coughs and can help to ensure that children drink enough fluids.

At the same time it soothes irritated mucous membranes. To make it, finely chop an onion, put it in a preserving jar with a little sugar or honey and place it in a warm place for five to six hours. The mixture should be shaken well in between.

After some time, enough onion juice is formed, which can be poured off with the help of a sieve. The juice can be given several times a day and will keep in the refrigerator for a few days. Caution: Onion juice is generally only recommended for children over one year of age, as no honey should be given before this time and the onion juice itself can have a very flatulent effect.