How Can Cough That Worsens At Night In A Two-year-old Be Cured?

Posted on Wed, 22 Oct 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 22 Oct 2014 Answered on

Mon, 8 Apr 2024 Last reviewed on

Question : My daughter (2.2 yrs old) has cough.

Answered by Dr. Sudhir (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Must be viral infection.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Such cough is common among childrens.Common cause is viral infection and sometimes bacterial infection.

Few things that can help are steam inhalation , cough syrup,adequate water, soups, bed rest , non spicy diet, antipyretics for fever, oral antihistaminics.If fever does not reduce after three days, she will need course of antibiotics.

If fever persists and symptoms progress or worsen after seven days, she will need chest xray to rule out pneumonia.

Most childrens have viral infection , so feel better in 3-4 days with treatment suggested above without antibiotics.

Hope this helps.Please ask if there are doubts.Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sudhir (1 hour later)

Hello Sir -

Which cough syrup do you recommend?
She doesn't have fever(No cold either). Also, she doesn't cough much in the mornings. It just gets bad in the night/sleep.

Answered by Dr. Sudhir (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Any cough syrup with cetirizine will do.

Detailed Answer:
Any cough syrup with cetirizine will do. As per website guidelines cannot name one particular brand.

Steam inhalation can be extremely helpful , it will reduce duration of cough syrup needed.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar