The Truth About Kids’ Coughs: FAQs for Concerned Parents

A cough is a reflex action that helps your body clear your airways of irritants, mucus, or foreign objects.

What are some types of coughs in kids?

Wet cough (Productive Cough): This type of cough produces mucus and helps to clear the airways.

Dry cough (Non-Productive Cough): This cough doesn’t produce mucus and can be caused by postnasal drip.

When your little one lies down, mucus tends to pool in the back of the throat, triggering coughing fits. Postnasal drip (when mucus drains from the sinuses into the throat) can also worsen at night due to airway irritation. To help ease nighttime coughing and improve sleep, try adjusting sleep positions to stop coughing and elevating the head of your child’s bed. Consider using a cool-mist humidifier to help keep the air moist and giving them Zarbee’s Kids’ Cough Syrup + Mucus, a nature-inspired solution specially formulated to soothe coughs^†, clear mucus, and support your child’s immune system.*

^† For coughs associated with hoarseness, dry throat or irritants

Yes, coughing can spread germs—especially if your child doesn’t cover their mouth. Educate your child about cough and sneeze etiquette by encouraging them to cough into their elbow (also known as the vampire cough) or a tissue to help prevent the spread of germs (and don’t forget to throw away used tissues properly!).

Most coughs in kids are harmless and tend to resolve on their own. However, seek medical attention if your child experiences any of the following symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing

• High fever

• Persistent cough that lasts more than a few weeks

• A cough that worsens or is accompanied by other symptoms, like a rash or wheezing

• A cough that occurs with fever, chest pain, or severe headache

By understanding coughs, you can help manage your little bee’s health and help them feel comfortable!