How to treat fever and cough in children safely at home?

Hello,

Fever and cough in children are commonly caused by viral infections such as a cold or flu, but other causes such as throat infection, ear infection, bronchitis or pneumonia are also possible. The treatment depends on the child’s age, temperature, symptoms and breathing pattern, so it is not advisable to start antibiotics without a doctor's evaluation.

What You Can Do at Home

If the child is active, drinking fluids and breathing normally, supportive care can usually be given at home while monitoring symptoms.

• Give plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

• Continue breastfeeding normally in infants.

• Give small, frequent meals if the child wants to eat.

• Let the child get adequate rest and sleep.

• Check the temperature with a digital thermometer.

• Keep the child comfortably dressed; avoid excessive blankets.

• Saline nasal drops can help if the nose is blocked.

• For a child above 1 year, a small amount of honey in a warm drink may help soothe a cough.

Medicines and Precautions

Paracetamol be used for fever or discomfort in children when appropriate for the child's age and weight. Follow the doctor's or medicine-label dosing instructions carefully.

Do not give aspirin to children under 16 years. Do not give over-the-counter cough and cold medicines to children under 6 unless advised by a doctor or pharmacist. Avoid alternating paracetamol and ibuprofen unless a healthcare professional specifically advises you to do so.

Do not start antibiotics on your own. Most childhood coughs and colds are viral, and antibiotics will not help viral infections. A doctor should decide whether an antibiotic is required after examining the child.

When Should You See a Pediatrician?

Arrange a pediatric consultation if

• Fever is persistent or getting worse.

• The child is unusually weak or irritable.

• The child is not drinking adequately.

• There is repeated vomiting.

• The cough is becoming severe.

• There is wheezing or chest discomfort.

• The child has earache or persistent sore throat.

• The cough continues for more than 3 weeks. 

Children younger than 3 months with a temperature of 38°C or higher require prompt medical assessment. 

Seek Emergency Treatment Immediately If

Take the child to an emergency department immediately if there is

• Difficulty or very fast breathing

• Chest/ribs pulling inward while breathing

• Bluish, grey or unusually pale lips/skin

• Severe dehydration or very little urine

• Child is difficult to wake or unusually drowsy

• Seizure

• Severe or persistent vomiting

• Stiff neck

• A rash that does not fade when pressed

• Child is not responding normally or is having significant difficulty feeding/drinking.

What Information Is Needed for Proper Advice?

To understand whether the child needs only home care or a pediatrician's evaluation, please share

• Child's age

• Current temperature

• How many days the fever has been present

• How many days the cough has been present

• Whether the cough is dry or with mucus

• Whether there is breathing difficulty or wheezing

• Whether the child is eating, drinking and passing urine normally

• Any vomiting, diarrhea, rash or throat/ear pain

We can help you connect with experienced pediatricians at partner hospitals and coordinate a consultation if required. Please share your city and state.

Wishing you and your family good health always.
Warm regards,
Team HexaHealth