CHILDREN’S COUGHS

According to an article in the March 2011 issue of the peer-reviewed medical journal Canadian Family Physician, “…there are no effective medications to either cure or relieve the symptoms of acute cough in children.” Of course this doesn’t mean that you should never seek medical attention for a cough – the article goes on to say that the family doctor should rule out rare or serious conditions for which drug therapy might be effective.

“Antibiotics have no effect on viral infections; indeed they might cause side effects that are more distressing than the cough.” Many family doctors feel pressured by worried parents to prescribe medicine to deliver fast relief – make sure your doctor knows that you are satisfied to have ruled out a serious underlying condition, and then turn your attention to natural medicines which can be very effective in relieving a cough to help everyone get a good sleep. There are several homeopathic and herbal cough syrups that do a good job of helping sticky mucus to be expelled and to quiet the tickle in throat or chest that causes dry coughing. These do not contain harmful alcohol or cough suppressants that can prolong the illness instead of helping to get over it!

Homeopathic remedies Phosphorus, Antimonium Tart, Ipecac and Drosera are all excellent for different types of coughing and can reduce the number of night-time disturbances for Mom and Dad too. If you need help to understand how to choose and/or take these natural medicines, contact me by email or phone, or drop in on a Wednesday between 11 and 7.