Cough Medicine for Children

When your child has a cough, finding the right relief is a top priority for any parent. At Weldricks Pharmacy, we understand how distressing a cough can be for both children and their families.

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That's why we offer a comprehensive range of child cough medicine, from soothing syrups to comforting vapour rubs, designed to help alleviate symptoms and support their recovery.

Our selection includes trusted brands like Calpol, Nurofen, and Benylin, catering to various types of coughs, whether it's a dry, tickly, or chesty cough. We ensure you have access to gentle yet effective solutions to help your little one feel more comfortable. Remember, for accompanying discomfort like a sore throat, Weldricks Pharmacy First can provide professional advice and treatment.

Choosing the Right Cough Medicine for Your Child

Navigating the world of children's cough medicines can be challenging. It's important to consider your child's age and the specific type of cough they have. Many products are formulated for different age groups, from infants over 3 months to older children, and target either dry/tickly coughs or chesty/mucus coughs.

  • Dry Coughs: Often characterised by a tickly sensation and no mucus. Look for medicines that help soothe the throat and suppress the cough reflex.
  • Chesty Coughs: Involve mucus or phlegm, which the body tries to clear. Expectorant medicines can help loosen and clear this mucus.
  • Always check the age guidelines on the product packaging before administering any medicine to your child. If you're unsure, our pharmacists are here to offer expert, friendly advice.

Beyond medication, ensure your child gets plenty of rest and stays well-hydrated. Warm drinks and honey (for children over 1 year old) can also provide comfort. At Weldricks, we pride ourselves on offering reliable healthcare products, backed by nearly 100 years of family-run pharmacy experience, along with free UK delivery over £40 and discreet packaging for your peace of mind.

Child Cough Medicine FAQs

What are the common causes of coughs in children?

Most coughs in children are caused by viral infections like the common cold or flu. These can lead to inflammation in the airways, causing a cough. Other causes can include allergies, asthma, or sometimes irritants in the air. Bacterial infections are less common but can occur.

How can I help my child sleep better when they have a cough?

To help your child sleep with a cough, try these tips:

  • Elevate their head slightly with an extra pillow (for older children) or by raising the head of their bed.
  • Use a humidifier or a bowl of warm water in the room to add moisture to the air, which can help ease congestion.
  • Ensure they are well-hydrated throughout the day.
  • Offer a warm drink before bed.
  • A spoonful of honey before bed can soothe a cough for children over 1 year old.
  • Consider a child-friendly chest rub or vapour plug for soothing vapours.

What can I give my child for a sore throat?

Most sore throats are caused by viral illnesses such as colds or the flu and should clear up in a day or 2.

To help make them more comfortable focus on keeping them hydrated, and you can give them either paracetamol suspension (2 months+), or ibuprofen (3 months+) to help reduce the pain. Children over 6 can also use lozenges or anesthetic sprays to help manage the pain.

Always follow the dosage, age and weight restrictions before giving your child any medicine, if you need guidance speak to your pharmacist or GP.

See a GP or ring 111 if your child has a sore throat for more than 3 days, a high temperature (or feels hot, cold or shivery) and is generally unwell.

Go to A&E or call 999 immediately if they're unable to swallow fluids or saliva or have any difficulty breathing, as they'll need urgent treatment in hospital.

When should I take my child to see a doctor for a cough?

While most children's coughs are due to common colds and will get better on their own within 3 weeks, seek medical advice if your child is under 3 months old, has a high fever, difficulty breathing, a persistent cough that doesn't improve, or if they appear unwell. Always trust your instincts as a parent and ring your GP surgery or dial 111 if you're worried.

 

If your child has any of the following:

  • Is going blue around the lips
  • Has pauses in their breathing (apnoeas) or has an irregular breathing pattern or starts grunting
  • A harsh breath noise as they breathe in (stridor) present all of the time (even when they are not upset)
  • Too breathless to feed (eat or drink) or talk/make noise
  • Becomes pale, mottled and feels abnormally cold to touch
  • Becomes extremely agitated (crying inconsolably despite distraction), confused or very lethargic (difficult to wake)
  • Develops a rash that does not disappear with pressure (the ‘Glass Test’)
  • Is under 3 months of age with a temperature of 38°C / 100.4°F or above (unless fever in the 48 hours following vaccinations and no other red or amber features)
  • Has a very bad cough or it quickly gets worse (e.g., hacking cough or cannot stop coughing)
  • Feels very unwell, has chest pain, or finds it hard to breathe
  • Has a swollen and painful neck (swollen glands)
  • Is coughing up blood

You need urgent help

Go to the nearest Hospital Emergency (A&E) Department or phone 999.

If your child has any of the following:

  • Has laboured/rapid breathing or they are working hard to breathe – drawing in of the muscles below their lower ribs, at their neck or between their ribs (recession)
  • A harsh breath noise as they breathe in (stridor) present only when they are upset
  • Is becoming drowsy (excessively sleepy) or irritable (unable to settle them with toys, TV, food or picking up) – especially if they remain drowsy or irritable despite their fever coming down
  • Seems dehydrated (sunken eyes, drowsy or not had a wee or wet nappy for 12 hours)
  • Has extreme shivering or complains of muscle pain
  • Is 3-6 months of age with a temperature of 39°C / 102.2°F or above (but fever is common in babies up to 2 days after they receive vaccinations)
  • Continues to have a fever of 38.0°C or above for more than 5 days
  • Is getting worse or if you are worried

You need to contact a doctor or nurse today

Please ring your GP surgery or call NHS 111 – dial 111.

If your child:

  • Has had a cough for more than 3 weeks (persistent cough).
  • Is losing weight for no reason.
  • Has a weakened immune system due to conditions like chemotherapy or diabetes.

Seek advice

Contact your GP surgery or call NHS 111.

 

For children aged 5 or over, you can also get advice from NHS 111 online.

If a cough continues for a long time, especially if it's worse at night or is brought on by your child running about, it could be a sign of asthma.

Take them to see their GP, who will be able to check if your child has asthma.

Sources: https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/cough/ 

https://www.nhs.uk/baby/health/colds-coughs-and-ear-infections-in-children/ 

https://www.healthiertogether.nhs.uk/child-under-5-years/cough-and-cold 

https://notts.icb.nhs.uk/your-services/childrens-health-and-wellbeing/cough-and-cold/

 

At Weldricks Pharmacy, we are dedicated to supporting your family's health with a wide range of reliable children's cough medicines and professional advice. For more detailed information on managing coughs in children, you can refer to the NHS guidance on colds, coughs, and ear infections in children.

Furthermore, Weldricks Pharmacy is proud to offer the NHS Pharmacy First service for sore throats, which can provide quick and convenient access to advice and treatment for common conditions, without needing a GP appointment. This service allows our trained pharmacists to assess and, where appropriate, treat your child's sore throat, offering peace of mind and faster relief.