Suggestions for Toddler Cough

Vicks Vapor Rub on bottom of feet, put socks over. If really bad, I put it on feet, back and chest.....Works very quickly!!! There is a 'non-greasy' one at Walmart too in a white tube instead of the blue container, although I think the blue container lasts longer. Don't get the baby rub one....very weak.

Hello A.,

it sure sounds like a post nasal drip... have you tried nose drops at night? no milk products for a few days. on a tissue put the following essential oils:
peppermint oil 5 drops
rosemary oil 2 drops
basil oil 1 drop

if he likes lemonade... make some home made lemonade and have him drink some (will help w/ the phlem)

Mold has been very high lately...any chances he has mold allergies? could anything in his room be making him cough?
laundry detergent? does he take a bath just before bedtime? new bath gel, soap, shampoo, etc?
Good luck! ~C.~

A few thoughts here that cover even the extremes in the world of coughing:

Quick fix is a cough suppressant. We've used several. Delsym is a 12-hour dose. You might have to ask your pediatrician for the right dose. Robitussin also makes one. I believe it's Robitussin DM that is a combo of a cough suppressant and guafinasen -- something that helps loosen congestion. Just read the labels or ask your doc. You don't want a combo of tons of meds. We typically get some sort of decongestant to help stop the post-nasal drip, and a cough suppressant. Your doc or nurse may tell you that decongestants may or may not work in kids as young as your son. They're right :) They worked for one of my kiddos, but did nothing for my other child.

Also, if this is new to him (meaning he doesn't suffer from this coughing year round), allergy meds aren't working, and keeps up for a couple weeks, I'd go back to the doc. It's quite possible that he could have a sinus infection even if he doesn't have a fever.

Lastly, the incessant night coughing sounds like many asthmatics I know, including my own son. If this is a chronic thing for him, you might ask some more questions at your docs office.
It can be hard to diagnose in kids under 3 though, and docs seem reluctant to diagnose, unless it's severe (i.e. sending you to the ER), before age 6. And unless the doc can "catch him in the act" his lungs may likely sound fine during an office exam -- which is during the day, when he's not having much of a problem.

I'd avoid Benadryl just in case because 1) as you mentioned, it's not working and 2) it actually makes asthmatic coughing worse.

You might try Zyrtec, but beware that it could cause mood changes. It worked for us, but made our son VERY disagreeable. He'd even disagree with himself! We suffered through it for a season though, then got a prescription for Singulair. Much, MUCH better allergy control, and no more grumpy/moody kid.

I agree with the other momma about the allergy stuff. We have been through all that with my oldest. I will say that Singular is an awsome allergy med and works wonders. But with all that allergy meds - including Singular - it sometimes takes about a week before it starts working and then I see a big improvement. Vicks does seem to help at times also. I know its frustrating to hear your child coughing and not resting very well. Good luck !

Poor little guy. Sounds like post nasal drip. Anyway you can elevate his mattress on the top and see if that helps ?

Sounds like post nasal drip. I would give an antihistamine like Zyrtec before bedtime.
C.

How long has he had the cough? My daughter had a cough for a few months, and it turned out she has asthma. The dr couldn't hear any wheezing in her lungs until she finally had some during one appointment. You might just check it out. Good luck!

I read in parents or some magazine like that that studies have found cough syrup & 1 tsp of honey to be equally effective for coughs. We used the honey after that & it does seem to help (plus my kids think it's the best treat ever!)