Coughing is the body’s way of clearing unwanted matter from the lungs and lower airways. Coughing and bronchial mucous congestion are common symptoms in children.
Coughs that cause mucus (also known as phlegm) to be expelled or expectorated from the airways are sometimes referred to as wet, loose or productive. This type of cough may be worse at night, because when the child lies down, mucus drips from the upper respiratory tract (e.g. nose and sinuses) into the lower airways, triggering the cough reflex as the body tries to expel it.[1]
On the other hand, coughs that don’t trigger the expectoration of mucus are referred to as dry or non-productive. These types of coughs sometimes persist for longer periods of time. They are also sometimes characterised by spasmodic bouts of coughing.
Fusion Kids’ Cough Fighter is suitable for children aged 2 to 12 years and combines herbs traditionally used in TCM and Western herbal medicine, as detailed below.
Ivy leaf soothes children’s coughs
Ivy leaf decreases coughing in children and is used as an expectorant to clear mucus from the respiratory tract.
Elecampane and thyme: traditional expectorants in Western herbal medicine
In Western herbal medicine, elecampane and thyme are traditionally used as expectorant herbs that clear children’s respiratory tract mucus and relieve coughs in children. Elecampane is also traditionally taken to relieve bronchial mucous congestion in Western herbal medicine.
Balloonflower: relieves cough in traditional Chinese medicine
Balloonflower is traditionally taken in Chinese medicine to relieve both cough and symptoms of a sore throat in children.
Chinese licorice: traditional sweet cough relief
Chinese licorice is traditionally used to ease children’s coughing in Chinese medicine. It has a naturally sweet flavour, which in TCM is traditionally associated with soothing properties, making it a great addition to our children’s cough mix!
When should your child see a health professional for their cough?
Most children’s coughs are mild and of short duration, however severe or persistent coughs may indicate underlying health problems that need professional investigation and/or treatment.
See your doctor or health professional if your child has a cough that is:
- Associated with breathing difficulties, a high fever, changes to the colour of their skin, or a barking or ‘whooping’ noise
- Persisting for more than two weeks - especially when accompanied by other symptoms including shortness of breath and wheezing
- Interfering with their sleep or daily activities
- Triggered by exposure to house dust, pets or pollen, or by the consumption of certain food or drinks [1,2,3,4]
References:
1. raisingchildren.net.au. Cough. Last updated June 2020 and accessed October 2021 from https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/a-z-health-reference/cough
2. HealthDirect. Cough. Last updated September 2019 and accessed October 2021 from https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/cough
3. Jurca, M. et al. PLoS One, 2017;12(5):e0177485.
4. Mayo Clinic. Childhood asthma. Last updated March 2021 and accessed October 2021 from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/childhood-asthma/symptoms-causes/syc-20351507