Effective cough syrups for children

Nowadays, such a phenomenon as cough is familiar to almost everyone. It is difficult to find a person who has never been ill and has not experienced all the symptoms of cough. Traditional medicine is sometimes unable to cope with cough, since it is difficult to treat and can last for a long time, even after recovery. Cough is especially painful in children. In order to alleviate the condition, cough syrup for children is usually prescribed.

It is difficult to get rid of a cough due to various reasons. Thus, a cough often occurs as a reflex reaction that occurs involuntarily, independently of a person. From a physiological point of view, it is considered a natural protective reflex aimed at freeing the irritated mucous membrane from foreign factors. Such a reaction occurs in response to the effect of an irritant, for example, when mucus passes along the wall of the throat, with an excessive accumulation of microorganisms, with severe swelling and inflammation. Therefore, it is often difficult to get rid of a cough. Often, treatment can only be effective if the cause of its occurrence is eliminated. Then the cough will disappear automatically.

What cough syrups can children use?

Children are prescribed various cough syrups. These can be commercial preparations that are sold ready-made in pharmacies. They can be called differently. There are syrups made on the basis of plant components and biologically active extracts, herbal preparations and hormonal agents. There are also syrups based on chemicals, for example, antibiotics, antiseptic and anti-infective agents, anti-allergic components.

You can make a syrup for a child according to an individual prescription written by a doctor. This is done in a factory-type pharmacy by a pharmacist. In this case, the composition may include both synthetic and natural products.

And finally, you can make your own syrup at home. There are many recipes for making syrups. They can have different properties, depending on the main active ingredient. Most often, children are given anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-allergic syrups, syrups with antibiotics. Children can be given syrups that do not contain alcohol.

Indications cough syrups for children

Cough syrups are recommended for children over 1 year of age. There may be many reasons for prescribing syrup. Syrup is prescribed for dry coughs that torment the child but do not bring relief, as expectoration does not occur. It can also be effective for wet coughs, as it helps the cough to become deeper.

A wet cough is productive and has a more favorable prognosis, since it is accompanied by the discharge of sputum, as a result of which the inflammatory process is reduced, and the degree of development of the infectious process is reduced.

The syrup is also prescribed for allergic cough, obstructive cough that accompanies bronchial asthma, asthmatic bronchitis, bronchial and pulmonary obstruction. It can be prescribed for spasmodic cough, cough of neuropsychic etiology. Another indication is cough of bacterial, viral etiology that occurs against the background of colds, allergic diseases, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis. It is prescribed for such diagnoses as tracheitis, tracheobronchitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, pleurisy. Another indication is cough that occurs against the background of tuberculosis, various mixed infections, chronic and congestive phenomena.

[ 1 ], [ 2 ]

Pharmacodynamics

The action of the syrup depends on the composition and direction of action. So, if an expectorant is used, it includes substances that stimulate the receptors of the mucous membrane. As a result, a reflex occurs aimed at removing the resulting mucus to the outside. The sputum is liquefied and is fairly easily removed from the body.

Many syrups contain honey, propolis, bee milk, or other bee products. Honey softens mucous membranes, relieves inflammation and irritation, and normalizes metabolism in the body. Of interest is the rich vitamin composition of honey, thanks to which the body acquires greater resistance to infections and the ability to resist inflammatory processes. Of particular importance is vitamin C, which has antioxidant properties (cleanses from toxins and metabolic products, removes free radicals, helps stabilize cell membranes, and normalizes intracellular metabolism).

The mechanism of action of propolis is also of interest: it has a softening effect on the body, relieves irritation and inflammation. It has a significant advantage compared to other components: it does not put a strain on the kidneys, and has a calming effect on the nervous system. As a result, the general well-being of a person improves significantly, fatigue decreases.

Many plant substances, especially those used in the form of roots, have antiseptic properties. They disinfect the oral cavity, prevent the development of an infectious process, quickly and effectively relieve inflammation of the nasopharynx, pharynx. Such properties are possessed, for example, by the roots of calamus, marshmallow, plantain, tansy, milkweed.

[ 3 ], [ 4 ], [ 5 ]

Pharmacokinetics

Cough syrup for children contains various active components that penetrate the body through the mucous membranes, enter the blood, are carried to the main organs and have the necessary effect. In particular, they can act on the blood and immune system, normalize nervous activity and hormonal levels. As a result, all systems begin to function smoothly and harmoniously, and the body is naturally restored and its endurance is increased.

[ 6 ], [ 7 ], [ 8 ]

Dosing and administration

For children, syrups can be used from birth. So, if a newborn has a cough, you can give him a few drops of syrup on the tip of the tongue. You can dilute the syrup with a few drops of water (boiled) and give it to the child. You can also add syrup to milk or to the feeding mixture. You can also lubricate the lips with syrup.

Older children, after 1 year, can be given about a third of a teaspoon up to 3-4 times a day. Children from 1 to 3 years old can already be given a teaspoon of syrup, and finally, children from 3 years old and up to adulthood are recommended to take a tablespoon.

However, these are not universal recommendations. Each individual syrup may have its own characteristics, its own unique properties, and, accordingly, application features. It is recommended to take the syrup in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, which are attached to each syrup.

If there are no instructions, or you prepare the syrup yourself, it is recommended to adhere to the dosage given above. But it is even better to consult a doctor, since he can accurately select the optimal treatment regimen, calculate all the risks, and also conduct tests that will allow you to formulate prognostic parameters.

[ 14 ], [ 15 ], [ 16 ]

Expectorant cough syrups for children

The mechanism of action of expectorant syrups consists in softening the sputum and its separation from the mucous membrane. Also, the reflex contraction of the mucous membrane is additionally stimulated, as a result of which, by contracting, it pushes the sputum to the exit, facilitating its separation and removal to the outside. As a result, the bronchi and alveoli are cleared, breathing becomes easier, the inflammatory process is eliminated, and recovery occurs faster. At first, many have the impression that the condition is worsening. But this is not so, since the cough becomes productive, the sputum is removed more effectively, relieving the inflammatory process.

Children are prescribed ready-made pharmaceuticals or syrups that can be prepared at home. Such syrups are based on expectorants.

• Recipe #1. Calamus Root Syrup

The roots, rhizomes and leaves of calamus have long been used as an expectorant, which quickly liquefies phlegm and promotes its removal. Syrups prepared on the basis of calamus act gently, quickly, and practically do not cause allergies and side effects. They can be used even by infants. The main effect is achieved due to the high content of essential oils, glycosides and alkaloids. It has a specific smell and a bitter taste.

In addition to the expectorant effect, calamus roots tone, soften the mucous membrane, and act as a general tonic that increases immunity, endurance and resistance of the body, as well as its ability to resist infection.

The syrup is most often prepared on the basis of honey, since it enhances the effect of the plant, and also additionally softens the skin and mucous membranes, nourishes and provides antiviral and antibacterial protection.

There are several options for making the syrup. The easiest way is to take finely chopped or ground calamus roots, pour them into a quarter of a liter jar, and top up with warm water. Let it sit for an hour, then add 5-6 tablespoons of honey. Let it sit for another day, then drink a third of a glass 3-4 times a day.

The second option is even simpler - take equal parts of grated calamus roots and honey (about half a mayonnaise jar), mix, let it sit for 24 hours, then take a teaspoon internally with each coughing fit, but not less than three times a day.

• Recipe #2. Anise Syrup

The fruits are used to prepare the syrup. They contain a large amount of fat, which softens the mucous membrane and effectively relieves inflammation. In addition, the high content of essential oils provides an antiseptic effect. Additionally, it relieves inflammation, eliminates pain, relieves irritation and burning, and eliminates runny nose.

Take about 100 grams of anise fruit, add a glass of sugar and place in a dark place in a closed container. Keep for at least a day. Drain the resulting liquid and drink a tablespoon three times a day. Gradually, space will be freed up in the jar, it is filled with sugar.

• Recipe #3. Bergenia syrup

Leaves, roots, rhizomes are used. Old, blackened leaves are especially effective, containing a large amount of tannins, phenols, which quickly relieve inflammation and provide an antiseptic effect. It is used for various diseases of the nose, throat, to eliminate coughs and relieve irritation. The most valued syrup is made from blackened leaves that have lain under the snow all winter, soaked in a large amount of vitamins, which have a general strengthening effect, stimulate the immune system.

To prepare the syrup, prepare a regular decoction. Take several leaves of bergenia, pour hot water over it, let it brew, then strain and drink twice a day. You can add honey.

• Recipe #4. Coltsfoot Syrup

Used for unproductive cough, colds. Often prescribed to treat lingering cough after illnesses. Has a powerful expectorant effect. Take 15-30 ml at a time, the frequency of intake can be up to 3-4 times a day. Store in the refrigerator, on the bottom shelf.

• Recipe #5. Honey-berry syrup

It helps to enrich the body with essential vitamins, antioxidants, soothes pain and eliminates cough. To prepare the syrup, you will need about a glass of honey, and half a glass of sea buckthorn, cranberries, and viburnum. The honey must be melted in a water bath. In a separate bowl, mash the berries with a fork until a puree is formed. Add to the melted honey, stir until a homogeneous mass is formed, remove from heat. When coughing attacks occur, you can drink it and with each attack. You can add it to hot milk or other drinks.

Anti-inflammatory cough syrups for children

Many herbs and plant extracts have anti-inflammatory properties. For example: chamomile, calendula, cornflower, plantain, coltsfoot, knotweed, sage.

• Recipe #1. Calendula and Chamomile Syrup

To prepare such syrup, take 10-15 grams of chamomile, 30 grams of calendula baskets, pour 500 ml of boiling water. Infuse for 30 minutes, add honey to taste, drink warm. You need to drink the entire decoction during the day, brew a new one in the morning.

• Recipe #2. Fig-honey syrup with honey

Gives the opportunity to quickly get rid of a cough. Usually such a syrup helps with a prolonged cough, dry and unproductive. It helps this cough to turn into a wet one, in which phlegm comes off. Mucus and phlegm very quickly clear the bronchi, are removed. Accordingly, inflammation and the infectious process are removed. To prepare, take one fig, put it through a meat grinder, pour honey over it until it is covered on top.

• Recipe #3. Rosehip syrup with aloe and honey

It has antioxidant properties, removes toxins and free radicals, saturates the blood with oxygen and nutrients. Rose hips contain a large amount of vitamins, especially vitamin C, which increases immunity and promotes faster recovery. It can also enhance the activity of honey and aloe juice, which have the main (anti-inflammatory) effect.

To prepare, take about 200 grams of aloe leaves, chop finely, or mince. Place all of this in a jar with a lid. Add a glass of honey. Put the mixture in a dark place for 3 days, let it brew. Then top it up with rosehip syrup.

• Recipe #4. Eleutherococcus and Echinacea Extract Syrup

To prepare the syrup, take the ready extract of the above plants in equal parts (approximately 50 ml each), mix in a separate container. Add about 2-3 tablespoons of honey, stir, and let it brew for an hour. Drink a tablespoon 2-3 times a day.

[ 17 ], [ 18 ], [ 19 ]

Homeopathic Cough Syrups for Children

Homeopathic remedies are based on various substances of natural origin - animal products, plants, minerals. They are aimed mainly at relieving inflammation and promoting the discharge of phlegm.

• Recipe #1. Mumiyo with sage decoction

Together, these substances help to quickly get rid of a cough. They relieve inflammation and stimulate the body's immune defense. First, prepare a sage decoction: pour a glass of boiling water over a tablespoon of crushed leaves and let it brew. Then dissolve about 1-2 grams of mumiyo in the resulting decoction. I drink half a glass. It is better to drink in the morning while in bed and in the evening before going to bed.

• Recipe No. 2. Syrup from herbal collection.

Take a tablespoon of each component: linden flowers, mint leaves and chamomile flowers. Pour 500 ml of boiling water. Allow to cool for 20 minutes, then strain. Add 5 tablespoons of honey to the resulting decoction, drink a glass per day.

• Recipe #3. Vitamin Cough Syrup

To prepare, take a three-liter jar, put about 100 grams of rowan berries and 50 grams of hazelnuts in it. Add 2-3 tablespoons of plantain, chamomile, and raspberry leaves. Fill to the top with vodka or alcohol. Add 100 grams of honey, mix thoroughly, and let it brew for a week (at least). It can be stored for several years. After the remedy has brewed, drink a teaspoon before meals, 2-3 times a day.

Stodal

The medicine is available in the form of syrup. It is a homeopathic remedy. The active ingredients are such active substances as pulsatila, rumex, bryonia, ipecac, stikta. These are all plant components. Also, the active ingredients are such plant components as longia, stikta, antimonium, myocarde, coccus and drosera. The auxiliary agents are such components as Tolu syrup, ethanol, caramel, benzoic acid, sucrose. It is the high content of sucrose that indicates that the drug should be taken with caution by patients suffering from diabetes.

The syrup is a transparent syrup. It may have a slight light yellow or brown tint. It belongs to the pharmacotherapeutic group of homeopathic remedies. It is prescribed as a symptomatic treatment for various etiologies. The indication for prescribing this drug is a cough of any etiology - dry, wet. It is prescribed even for coughs of infectious and allergic origin, which accompanies bronchial asthma, allergic bronchitis, cough against the background of infectious diseases, including whooping cough, tuberculosis.

Contraindications to the use of the drug include increased individual intolerance to the drug and its individual components.

The drug is prescribed orally. Children are recommended to take a teaspoon 2-3 times a day. Also prescribed to children over 12 years old is a teaspoon, less often - a dessert spoon 3-4 times a day. The duration of use is determined by the doctor based on the results of laboratory and instrumental tests. There have been no cases of drug overdose. It is also known that the drugs interact well with various medicinal components. The possibility of using syrup and other medicinal components is not excluded.

The instructions contain special instructions that indicate that the drug should be taken with caution by people suffering from diabetes, since it contains a large amount of sucrose, glucose. It is known that 5 ml of syrup contains approximately 0.31 XE. This should be taken into account when following diet therapy. The drug does not affect the nervous system: does not cause drowsiness, does not reduce concentration. It is sold in pharmacies without a prescription, but you should consult a doctor before starting to take it.

Dry cough syrup for children

Herbs such as immortelle, marigold, and lingonberry have proven themselves to be effective against dry coughs. Honey also helps to turn dry coughs into wet, productive ones. For dry coughs, it is recommended to use syrups that contain fatty and oily substances that soften irritated mucous membranes and quickly relieve inflammation.

• Recipe #1. Marigold Syrup

Take 3-4 tablespoons of marigolds, pour about 500 ml of boiling water over them, then let it brew for an hour. Add 3-4 tablespoons of honey, drink a glass per day.

• Recipe #2. Walnut Seed Syrup

To prepare, take a teaspoon of nut, grind thoroughly in a mortar, pour a glass of boiling water and let it brew for an hour. Gradually add honey in small portions, stirring it thoroughly. After the honey has completely dissolved, place the syrup in a container with a tight, hermetically sealed lid. Drink a tablespoon 5-6 times a day.

• Recipe #3. Sea Buckthorn Syrup

Take a liter jar, fill it with sea buckthorn and cover with sugar. Close it and put it in a dark, but not cold place. Juice will appear, which should be gradually drained. Fill the jar with sea buckthorn with sugar again. Drink a tablespoon of syrup three times a day, or add to tea, milk.

[ 20 ], [ 21 ], [ 22 ]

Syrup for barking cough for children

You will need emollients, which will include substances that have an enveloping effect, such as starch, oat broth. It is also recommended to use such syrups that are created on an oil basis. Syrups containing oil components, such as vegetable and fatty oils, oleic acids, are quite effective. Syrups based on sea buckthorn oil have proven themselves well, which additionally stimulate the immune system, normalize metabolic processes, and the condition of the mucous membrane.

• Recipe No. 1.

To prepare, take about 50 ml of ready-made sea buckthorn oil, or grind 200-250 grams of sea buckthorn berries in a mortar until oil forms. Separate the oil, add 3 tablespoons of honey, mix thoroughly until completely dissolved. If honey does not dissolve well, you can heat the mixture in a water bath. Then add a teaspoon of cinnamon, a slice of lemon. Infuse for an hour, drink a tablespoon three times a day.

• Recipe No. 2.

To prepare, you will need about 200 grams of butter. Melt it over low heat, add 5-6 tablespoons of sugar, stir until completely dissolved. Then add about 2 drops of fir essential oil, stir, and allow to solidify. Before use, brew tea or any herbal decoction, add a tablespoon of the prepared product and 2 tablespoons of honey, stir thoroughly, and drink before bed.

Contraindications

Most cough syrups are safe. This is proven by the fact that they can be prescribed even to newborns. But it is important to understand that they can also be dangerous. Thus, antibiotic syrup is contraindicated for children under 1 year of age.

Syrups containing plant extracts, components, herbs, essential oils, homeopathic remedies are contraindicated in case of individual intolerance, tendency to allergic reactions, especially if it is an immediate hypersensitivity reaction, which leads to anaphylactic shock.

It should be taken with caution by children with serious diseases and functional disorders of organs and systems, with kidney and liver dysfunction, prematurity, low body weight, serious immune disorders. Before starting treatment, you should consult a doctor. Self-medication can be dangerous.

[ 9 ]

Side effects cough syrups for children

Observed in rare cases. Most often, these are various allergic reactions that manifest themselves as immediate or delayed reactions. With immediate hypersensitivity, an immediate reaction develops in the form of an attack of suffocation, edema, obstruction, and obstruction of the airways. An immediate reaction can develop in the first 10-15 minutes after taking the drug. The most dangerous form of immediate reaction is anaphylactic shock.

In case of delayed hypersensitivity, the reaction may occur within a period from several days after taking the syrup to several days. Usually, the peak of the reaction occurs on the second day after taking the medicine. It may be manifested by a worsening of the condition: a sore throat, a burning sensation in the throat, increased coughing, pain in the throat, which intensifies when swallowing. It may also manifest itself in the form of a rash, hives, irritation, redness of the skin and mucous membranes.

Less common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and dyspeptic disorders. Some may cause neurological reactions, in which the child becomes overexcited, or, conversely, lethargic, apathetic. Drowsiness or hyperactivity, impaired mental processes, reaction speed, and decreased concentration may occur.

[ 10 ], [ 11 ], [ 12 ], [ 13 ]

Overdose

Overdose cases are rare. Usually, overdose causes reactions such as rash, redness, irritation. In most cases, discontinuing the drug is enough for the side effects to disappear.

Cases of overdose with syrups that contain toxic components, such as various chemicals, antibiotics, or plant extracts such as celandine, can be dangerous. Overdose with such potent components can cause poisoning. Such poisoning can be extremely dangerous, since if emergency assistance is not provided, it often ends in death.

Poisoning with chemicals or plant extracts included in the product is accompanied by disruption of the heart and respiratory system. It is necessary to provide emergency assistance as quickly as possible, otherwise the poisoning will progress. To do this, it is advisable to induce vomiting to clear the gastrointestinal tract of toxic substances. You must immediately call an ambulance, provide the child with access to fresh air, and give him plenty of fluids.

Overdosing on products that do not contain toxic substances may cause individual intolerance, allergic reactions, increased or, on the contrary, sharp decrease in blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, and indigestion. All this may be accompanied by collapse and loss of consciousness. Slowed reactions, weakened muscles, and rapid heartbeat may develop.

[ 23 ]

Interactions with other drugs

Most syrups are compatible with medications. But it is important to remember that many of them contain plant components, herbs, which may not be compatible with other herbs, homeopathic remedies. Syrups containing an antibiotic are also not compatible with other antibiotics.

[ 24 ]

Storage conditions

The drug should be stored in a dark place, protected from direct sunlight. The optimal temperature is about 25 degrees. In summer, it is better to store it in the refrigerator on the bottom shelf. In winter, it can be stored indoors, but the temperature should not exceed 25 degrees. The drug should be stored in the original packaging, including the box. It should also be taken into account that the place should be inaccessible to children, since syrups have a pleasant taste and aroma, and children often drink it, which leads to an overdose.

[ 25 ], [ 26 ], [ 27 ]

Inexpensive and effective cough syrup for children

You can prepare it at home yourself. Various components can be used as active components. Most often, herbal and homeopathic components are used, since they are the most effective and least dangerous for the body. They are especially useful for the child's body. Since they additionally stimulate the body's immune system, helping to increase the body's protective properties.

• Recipe No. 1.

Syrup of pine resin and honey. To prepare the ointment, take about 50 grams of honey, melt in a water bath, add 5-10 grams of resin, stir until a homogeneous mass is formed, allow to harden. Before each use, about one teaspoon of ointment is diluted in warm water. It is recommended to drink a glass 3-4 times a day.

• Recipe No. 2.

Bee honey with cinnamon quickly eliminates inflammation and reduces pain and coughing fits. To do this, put a teaspoon of cinnamon in a small bowl of honey melted in a water bath and stir thoroughly. Drink a teaspoon three times a day.

• Recipe No. 3.

First, prepare oil from sage and lavender herbs. It helps to eliminate cough in a short period, relieve inflammation and infection. Take 2 tablespoons of herbs and pour 5 tablespoons of boiled hot sunflower oil. Allow to brew under a tightly closed lid for 2-3 hours. After that, separately prepare honey syrup: 3 tablespoons of honey per glass of warm water. Stir until completely dissolved. Before using the syrup, mix 2-3 tablespoons of honey syrup with half a teaspoon of oil, drink 3-5 times a day.

• Recipe No. 4.

Sage is suitable for both internal and external use. Add one tablespoon of the herb to a glass of boiling water. Brew for an hour. Add 3 tablespoons of honey and drink three times a day.

• Recipe No. 5.

First, prepare oil from fir and oak bark extract and jojoba oil. Heat about 50 ml of oil in a water bath, add 2 drops of fir essential oil or 1 teaspoon of natural extract. Mix thoroughly and let it brew. Then mix with pre-prepared syrup (3 tablespoons of honey per glass of warm water).

Homemade cough syrup for children is usually safer because you know exactly what ingredients are in it, which means you can always rule out unwanted reactions.