Question:

My six-year-old daughter has had a persistent cough for more than a month and has been to the doctor and treated with antibiotics and prednisolone. Are there any other alternatives for her?

Answer:

The treatment you describe seems quite strong for a cough that is probably not bacterial in origin. Many coughs such as your child is experiencing come from an aggravation from something airborne they are inhaling. It can be dust or moulds.

It is always a good idea to start with giving the bedroom a good clean. Vacuum the mattress and wash all the bedding. Move the bed to vacuum under it and check the walls and cupboards for mould. If you find any, spray with an anti-mould spray and then leave the windows open to air out the room.

Taking action to prevent the cough happening is better than taking medication. A very simple old-fashioned remedy for coughs that is very effective is to cut up half an onion finely, then cover it with honey and leave to infuse for a day. Then give teaspoon doses of the liquid portion at bedtime and any time your child is coughing. You can keep this in the fridge for a week or so.

For more information please visit Alison Johnson’s website.