Couch medicine

[sherrardk]

My daughter (4 1/2 years old) has got a really bad chesty cough. What's the best medicine to give her (she is also really croaky too). Thanks.

[Sqad]

Knowing you...you are not one to take advice and you will do whatever you decide to do.

That is the right approach.

If she is well in herself....then nothing.
If she has a temperature...then Ibuprofen.

[boxtops]

We use Buttercup syrup it's not a "go to the doctor" type of cough - give it a go.

[Sqad]

"Buttercup Syrup"....what a good idea......never thought of "Buttercup Syrup.

Best answer candidate sherrardk.

[sherrardk]

Sqad, really don't know what you mean by that. I just thought that cough medicine was a con but wanted to see what other people recommended. If I have offended you in some way by disagreeing with something you have advised then I don't remember doing so.

[sherrardk]

Boxtops - maybe it will soothe her throat a bit?

[boxtops]

well perhaps you wouldn't, sqad. It's effective and easily purchased.

[Sqad]

sherrardk...LOL...my odd sense of humour....you have NEVER offended me.

[owdhamer]

It's amazing how a little treat will perk a child up,ice cream,chocci ,etc.

[boxtops]

It works for us, sher

[bednobs]

personally, i think we cough for a reason, to get the gunk off of the chest, therefore i don't think supressing it is a good idea. Perhaps you could

[boxtops]

This is my recommendation, it thins the gunk so it's easier to bring up http://www.nhs.uk/med...ine=Buttercup%20syrup

[bednobs]

so does sitting in a steamy bathroom

[sherrardk]

Hi owd, she's not going to school tomorrow so she will definitely get a treat of some kind. She is looking really pathetic to be fair.

[atalanta]

Devon toffees worked best for my sons. Sucked very slowly.
But when I was little I loved Owbridge's Lung Tonic. Tasted wonderful, but I can't remember it doing my cough any good.

[ilovemarkb]

if I remember correctly all the ages were raised from 2yrs to 6yrs on expectorants (chesty cough medicines) for children and medicines that contained decongestants also.

ipecacuanha, squill and guaifenesin all help loosen chesty coughs however if a child doesnt have a high temp then chesty cough medicines aren.t always necessary. steam inhalation might help!!