Why Is My Kid Still Coughing?

Every parent knows the drill. It starts with sniffles, followed by a runny nose, a sore throat and then a cough—that lasts and lasts.

Sometimes for weeks after other upper-respiratory symptoms have cleared. But why? And what can we do about it?

“Winter is here and with that, coughs in kids tend to increase,” says Nicole Niessner, a nurse practitioner and clinical lead of virtual care at Cleveland Clinic Canada. That’s because many illnesses that ramp up during the colder months can all cause a cough, including the flu, RSV, norovirus, COVID and a variety of cold viruses. According to the Canadian Paediatric Association, most young kids will have eight to 10 colds a year.

In general, it’s helpful to remember that coughs aren’t bad. Coughing is the body’s natural mechanism for protecting the airways and fighting infection. Usually, they’re a good sign, but they can be annoying and uncomfortable, and occasionally signal a more serious health concern. Here’s what you need to know.

Why won’t my kid’s cough go away?

A typical viral infection lasts roughly seven to 10 days, but during the height of cold season (now!), there are so many things going around that kids can catch back-to-back infections, which can lead to a knock-on effect.

Why does my child's cough worse at night?

“Coughs can seem worse a bedtime,” says Niessner. And several factors can be to blame for this sleep stealer. “Some studies suggest that inflammation and mucus production may increase at night, worsening cough and respiratory symptoms,” she says.

To help your child sleep better when they’re sick, Niessner recommends trying these tips at bedtime:

Prop them up on pillows. When kids lie down flat, this can increase inflammation in the airways and change how mucus drains in the throat and lungs, triggering the cough reflex more often. Keeping their head elevated can help.

Run a humidifier in their bedroom. The air in our homes can get dry this time of year, irritating the throat and airways and increasing coughing. Adding some extra moisture to their bedroom can go a long way.

Clear them out before you tuck them in. Using a saline nasal spray followed by a gentle suction can help clear nasal secretions and clear post-nasal drip.

Can I give them cough syrup?

Because of the active ingredients they contain, over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicines should never be given to kids under the age of six. Even for older kids, cough remedies don’t always help much, and they can come with side effects like dizziness and nausea.

Plus, because cough suppressants often contain multiple ingredients, there’s a risk of giving children too much medication. For instance, some cough syrup also contains pain relievers like acetaminophen. If you don't know that, you may accidentally give your child, extra acetaminophen for their fever. “Parents should carefully read and understand the labels on any OTC medication including dosage instructions and warnings,” says Niessner.

Another option: Skip the cold remedy and try a spoonful of honey. “For children over one year, it can help alleviate symptoms,” says Niessner. You can also try a homeopathic remedy with a honey base, she says.

When should I call my doctor about a cough?

Seek medical advice if your child’s cough is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, such as:

• A rash
• Vomiting
• Inability to eat or drink
• Difficulty breathing
• Neck pain
• High fever
• Chest tightness