Cough in Children — Medicaid (QUEST) Accepted

A cough is one of the most common — and most nerve-wracking — sounds of childhood, especially at night. The good news is that most coughs come from ordinary colds, do their job of clearing the airway, and fade on their own. Knowing what helps, what doesn’t, and what to avoid saves a lot of worry.

What causes most coughs

Most coughs in children are caused by viral respiratory infections — the common cold. A cough can linger for a week or two after the rest of the cold is gone. Other causes include asthma, croup (with its barking sound), and post-nasal drip from allergies.

What helps — and what to avoid

The American Academy of Pediatrics, through HealthyChildren.org, gives clear guidance that surprises many parents: over-the-counter cough and cold medicines are not recommended for children under 4, and their risks outweigh any benefit in young children. For children over 1 year of age, a small amount of honey can ease a cough — but honey should never be given to a baby under 1 because of the risk of infant botulism. Cool-mist humidifiers, extra fluids, and saline nose drops are safe, simple comforts at any age.

When to have a cough checked

Call us if a cough comes with fast or labored breathing, wheezing, a high or lasting fever, coughing up blood, or if your child seems to be struggling — and call 911 for severe trouble breathing or blue lips. A cough that drags on for more than a few weeks is worth an evaluation, since it can point to asthma or another treatable cause.

How we approach it at Ohana Care Clinic

We help you tell an ordinary cold-cough from something that needs treatment, and we steer families away from medicines that can harm young children. A telehealth visit often lets us listen to the cough and decide whether your child needs to be seen in person.

Getting care by telehealth

Most of our care at Ohana Care Clinic happens by secure video across Hawaiʻi. A new primary-care or pediatric patient is seen in person for the first visit at our Hilo clinic; after that, many follow-ups and quick questions work well by video. When your keiki is sick, a video visit can often tell us whether they need to be seen in person, saving you a drive when it isn’t needed.

When to get help now

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if your child is struggling to breathe, turning blue around the lips, unresponsive, severely dehydrated, or you believe this is a life-threatening emergency. When in doubt, call us at (808) 867-8002 or use our symptom checker for after-hours guidance on whether your child needs to be seen.

Medically reviewed by Donna Leonard, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, pediatric nurse practitioner, and George Mackel, MSN, APRN, NP-C, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP, President & Owner of Ohana Care Clinic.
Date published: July 2, 2026 · Last reviewed: July 2026 · Citations verified: July 2026

This article is general health education from Ohana Care Clinic, reviewed by Donna Leonard, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, and George Mackel, MSN, APRN, NP-C, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP. It is not a substitute for a personal evaluation by a qualified clinician who knows your child’s situation, and reading it does not create a provider–patient relationship. If you think your child may have a medical condition, reach out to us or another licensed provider. In an emergency, call 911.

References

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2024). Coughs and colds: Medicines or home remedies? HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chest-lungs/Pages/Coughs-and-Colds-Medicines-or-Home-Remedies.aspx