Toddler cough - help!

[candymycandy]

My boy (who turned 2 today!) has had a pretty bad cough which came on properly yesterday. He's basically had a cold really since December on and off. Just looking for and tips to help him as we've tried everything! He's had bronchiolitis before so a bit concerned it's developing into that. He isn't overly Un well with it but he's not himself as it's affecting his sleep. He's got a humidifier (cool mist) in his room & a calpol plug in. We've previously given him some (1+) cough mix which provided relief to a small degree but since read online that the NHS don't recommend it (I never bother for me as they don't work but seemed to help him a bit). Cough is unrelenting for him today and it really pains me to hear him like this! I've thought about trying him with toddler pillow, can't prop mattress up as he moves too much. Any ideas welcome - thanks! x

 

[Mel32]

My boy (who turned 2 today!) has had a pretty bad cough which came on properly yesterday. He's basically had a cold really since December on and off. Just looking for and tips to help him as we've tried everything! He's had bronchiolitis before so a bit concerned it's developing into that. He isn't overly Un well with it but he's not himself as it's affecting his sleep. He's got a humidifier (cool mist) in his room & a calpol plug in. We've previously given him some (1+) cough mix which provided relief to a small degree but since read online that the NHS don't recommend it (I never bother for me as they don't work but seemed to help him a bit). Cough is unrelenting for him today and it really pains me to hear him like this! I've thought about trying him with toddler pillow, can't prop mattress up as he moves too much. Any ideas welcome - thanks! x

Hey, if you are concerned try the doctors again or call NHS 24. They should be able to help, or put your mind at ease if he is OK. Does he have asthma or inhalers?

 

[candymycandy]

Thanks Mel, planning on docs tomorrow or Friday if he doesn't improve. No asthma/inhalers but worried about that too! He had a lung infection at birth so I always worry he's a bit weakened in that area x

 

[Browneyed Girl]

Only thing that helps my son is propping him up a bit at night, I've let him sleep on me when it's been really bad and he's exhausted. A steamy bathroom is supposed to help as well? My son had a cough for 5 months and needed steroid inhalers to clear it in the end but if it's a new cough I wouldn't have thought inhalers would be needed. I would get him to the doctors and get his chest listened to to be on the safe side though x

 

[YorksLass]

Sorry I don't have any advice to offer, but hope he gets well soon, poor lad! Unsure if you can do this for kids that young, but if I have a bad cough/cold, I tend to make a tea of grated raw ginger root and honey (and rum! Heheh). Obviously the rum's a no, but I think honey's ok after the age of 1, isn't it? Maybe research whether the ginger is ok too and make a mixture to give him a couple of spoonfuls. It can be a bit strong to taste, but it really helps with throat and cough, and even nausea as well!

 

[tinselcat]

When my son is coughing uncontrolled every few seconds I try to get him to fall asleep on me (chest to chest) as when he relaxes his coughing eases and it also stops for his when he is in a deep sleep. It did take hours this way but had been successful for me. It's horrible to watch so I hope you find a solution for your little one xx

 

[candymycandy]

Thanks everyone. Thanks tinselcat that's a good idea for tonight. Good shout on the honey yorkslass I'll give that a bash tonight.... maybe do the rum bit for me!!! He woke up today and it seems improved so fx we're on the mend x

 

[JD.Deedee]

If there's been a cold and the nose might still be congested considering little ones tend to snort up their snot as they can't blow their nose nose spray is your best friend.. clears it all up very well. If it really is chesty do get checked with docs to keep an eye that it doesn't turn into a chest infection x