Q. My three-year-old daughter gets a bad cough every time she gets a cold (which is often). The colds are likely due to the daycare environment she is in just this year.
The cough is sometimes so severe that she gags or even throws up. It is worse at night and interrupts her sleep. She does not cough much during the day, but during nap-time and at bed-time it is worse. It lasts about a week at a time, then subsides, and comes back a month or two later.
Her pediatrician has listened to her lungs and they are clear. There is no whooping or wheezing when she coughs. The natural approaches that the doctor has recommended (cool mist humidifier, warm cider, pillow propped up, steamy shower, honey) help a bit, but not enough to make a significant difference. We would be so grateful for suggestions.
A. You may want to try putting Vicks VapoRub on the soles of her feet at bedtime. Many parents report it is helpful. Another cough remedy that may help is thyme tea sweetened with honey.
We are sending you our Guide to Colds, Coughs & the Flu with more detailed suggestions about coping with such symptoms.
