[Skip to Content]

How to Handle a Cough

Medically reviewed by: Yamini Durani, MD

Coughing is a healthy reflex that helps clear the airways. A severe cough or one that lasts more than a week requires a medical checkup. But many coughs are caused by a virus that just needs to run its course.

How Do I Handle a Cough?

  • If your child develops a "barky" or "croupy" cough, sit in a steamy bathroom together for about 20 minutes.
  • Offer plenty of liquids (breast milk or formula for babies; cool water and juice for older kids). Avoid carbonated or citrus drinks that may irritate a raw throat.
  • Run a cool-mist humidifier in your child's bedroom.
  • Use saline (saltwater) nose drops to ease congestion.
  • Never give cough drops (a choking hazard) to young kids or cough or cold medicine to kids under 6 years old.

Get Medical Care if Your Child:

  • has severe cough spasms or attacks, stridor (a high-pitched sound when breathing in), or 
  • has a cough that lasts more than a week, gets worse, happens the same time every year, or seems caused by something specific (such as pollen, dust, pets, etc.)
  • has a fever that lasts more than a couple of days
  • is younger than 3 months old
  • is breathing fast or working hard to breathe
  • has a blue or pale color in the lips, face, or tongue during or after coughing

What Can Help Prevent Coughs?

  • Follow the doctor's treatment plan if your child has asthma or allergies.
  • Avoid anyone who smokes or has a cold.
  • Make sure your kids their vaccines on time as they can prevent some respiratory illnesses.
  • Teach kids to sneeze or cough into their elbow, not their hands.
  • Wash hands well and often.
Medically reviewed by: Yamini Durani, MD
Date reviewed: April 2023