remedy for cough?

**tabithapatrick** · 02-17-2008, 07:27 AM

My kids have been sick with a cough that antibiotics just aren't taking away. And though I don't want to stop giving it to them, I would like to know if you guys know of any home remedies to treat this? I'm going to try some garlic oil on their feet today. I think they have bronchitis. Any and all advice welcome~

**suki** · 02-17-2008, 07:52 AM

Is the air in your home dry?

Is the cough a dry cough or a productive cough (rattly and they have mucus)?

**suki** · 02-17-2008, 08:17 AM

In general, Vicks Vaporub on the chest and back with a t-shirt on. Humidify the air. Warm steam (can take them into the bathroom and run the shower) for about 15 min followed by cool air (bundle up and take outside for just a few minutes... 5 or so, this is best in the cool night air when it's a little more humid) - a cure given to me by a doc for croupy cough. Plenty to drink. Water, warm tea, juice... no milk. Encourage them to spit out what they cough up. Wash hands, wash hands, wash hands. Wash toys, blankies, pillow cases, door knobs, fingerprint trails with bleach water to avoid reinfecting. Clean toothbrushes in hot water and soak in alcohol for a bit to disinfect... or replace them if it's time.

**tabithapatrick** · 02-17-2008, 08:29 AM

This is a very productive cough. We have tried adding some humidity to the air...but should probably invest in a humidifier. This cough is accompanied by fever and stuffy nose, but the cough is nonstop. It's definately a virus. I have also cleaned everything over and over.....but will do so again.

**suki** · 02-17-2008, 08:43 AM

If it's viral then, the antibiotics won't help. I'm surpised the doc prescribed them... most docs are getting better about restricting antibiotics.

Push the fluids, get the humidity up (I invested in a humidifier that is programmable and has a humidistat... it was well worth it. I picked it up end of season at Home Depot on sale. Also check overstock.com) and mostly make them spit the junk out... seriously.

When really congested - have them lay on their stomachs across your lap, cup your hands and thump their backs all around their lungs, up and down while they breathe deeply. This will help break up the mucus. When they cough it up, have them spit it out.

**suki** · 02-17-2008, 08:46 AM

Also, listen to their lungs... if you don't have a stethoscope, you can put your ear to their back, kinda at the lower part of the lung. Listen. Do you hear rattling in the chest? If so, it could be pneumonia. If that's the case, call your doc and perhaps they'll prescribe breathing treatments. In the meantime... follow above advice.

How long has it been?

**tabithapatrick** · 02-17-2008, 09:23 AM

Well, my husband has had this now for about a month. My youngest then got it next about three weeks ago was on Zithromax, and and that didn't work and has now been on another antibiotic for 3 days and is still coughing. My oldest (5yrs) has been coughing now since friday afternoon with a fever on and off. I will listen and try patting on her chest. Thanks.

**tabithapatrick** · 02-17-2008, 09:26 AM

I want to add that I have started to get this last night as I had a fever all night and my throat and ear hurt along with a little cough. However, I am 9 months pregnant and am not willing to take any kind of medication for sicknesses like these (I'll only take Tylenol while pregnant.) I would also like some home remedies that I could use to try to prevent this if anyone has any?

**suki** · 02-17-2008, 09:45 AM

You want to rapidly pound the back, not the chest.

Be careful with some herbs and home remedies when your preggers... some aren't too good for baby either.

That said, here's a recipe for homemade cough syrup from a nurse:
http://www.pitt.edu/~cjm6/sp99cough.html

**prairiewife** · 02-17-2008, 05:17 PM

I make a tea that helps with congestion and coughing.

Seep two teaspoons freshly ground ginger root with two cups of water for 10 minutes. Strain. Add some honey and lemon and a dash of cayenne pepper. You can pour some in a cup and add water if it's too strong tasting for your little ones. Really warms you up and helps to relax that nagging cough.

My son thinks some of my tea recipies are just too weird, but requested this everynight last year when he was sick with a cold and cough.

Funny story I'm reminded of while writing this. When we were packing up to move my dd's boyfriend picked up a jar of my loose tea and whispered very seriously to her "does your mom smoke pot?" We all had a good laugh over this.

**JustJoy** · 02-17-2008, 05:53 PM

Honey & lemon.

**ravenmaniac** · 02-17-2008, 08:24 PM

My sister's friend's mother, who is a nurse swears to put vicks vapo rub on your feet then put on socks. Can't hurt to try. I wish you and the kids well.

**zakity** · 02-17-2008, 10:59 PM

I have my boys suck on hard candies. The corn syrup in them helps to coat their throats.

We also steam them throughout the day. Turn on the shower and have them sit on the toilet with the door closed.

**Bethany** · 02-18-2008, 12:04 AM

I boil water and pour it over one lemon slice with a packet of Sweet and Low. I drink this all day long when I have a cough and the cough always goes away very quickly. Just my little home remedy.

**nesta67** · 02-19-2008, 08:06 PM

One thing we used to do as kids (and I still do) was to sleep with the sheet pulled over our heads. That way the air under the sheet becomes warm and humid and easier to breath without coughing.