"Understanding and Treating Kids' Winter Coughs: A Pediatrician's Guide"
Children can spend up to 140 days with cold-related symptoms during the winter, with various types of coughs caused by different conditions such as the common cold, flu, asthma, and more. Pediatrician Dr. Melanie Wilson-Taylor advises parents to track their child's cough and seek medical attention if it lasts more than five days or interferes with daily activities. While most viral coughs go away without medication, antibiotics may be necessary for coughs caused by ear infections, sinusitis, or pneumonia. Humidifiers, fluids, honey (for children over 1 year old), nasal saline spray, and vapor rubs can help alleviate symptoms, but cough suppressants are not proven to work and may have harmful ingredients.