Q: My toddler has a severe cough only at night, and syrup isn't helping. What should I do?

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Question: My son, who is 1 year and 10 months old, has been having a severe cough that only happens at night. It's so bad that it prevents him from sleeping properly. We took him to the hospital, and they gave him a cough syrup, but it only seems to make him drowsy without actually relieving the cough. This happens occasionally, but it's very worrying. He is otherwise healthy, doesn't get sick often, and only takes multivitamins, cod liver oil, and vitamin C. There is no family history of cough. What could be causing this, and what can I do?

Answer: It sounds like your child’s nighttime cough is quite disruptive, and since the syrup hasn’t helped much, we should consider other possibilities. One common cause of severe nighttime coughing in children is asthma or reactive airway disease, even if there are no other symptoms during the day. What You Can Do: See a Doctor: Ask your doctor to evaluate for asthma. They might recommend medications like an inhaler to help open up the airways. Use a Humidifier: Keeping the air moist can reduce throat irritation at night. Keep the Room Allergen-Free: Avoid dust, smoke, or strong smells that can trigger coughing. Elevate the Head: Slightly raise the mattress or pillow to help with breathing at night. If your child starts wheezing, struggling to breathe, or the cough worsens, go to the hospital. Early treatment for asthma or other conditions can make a big difference. Let me know if you need more guidance

For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.

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