As winter begins, cold and cough cases increase, often causing discomfort and pain, whether the cough is dry or accompanied by phlegm. Dr. Sara Ali Saleh, a pediatric allergy and chest consultant, explains that treatment depends on the type and cause of the cough.

Ways to treat winter cough:

• Keep the air and body hydrated.

• Gargle with salt water 2–3 times daily.

• Use a humidifier while sleeping.

• Avoid smoking, dust, and polluted air.

• Eat anti-inflammatory foods like honey, ginger, garlic, and turmeric.

Types of cough in children:

• Dry cough: painful, often triggered by dust, smoke, or asthma.

• Cough with phlegm: caused by respiratory infections, colds, pneumonia, or seasonal allergies.

Home remedies for severe phlegm cough:

• Drink warm fluids regularly to loosen mucus.

• Use a humidifier or inhale steam.

• Gargle with salt water.

• Drink natural soothing beverages like ginger, anise, or cinnamon with honey.

• Raise the head while sleeping to ease mucus drainage.

Home care for children:

• Warm drinks like broth or anise tea.

• Steam inhalation or warm baths.

• Honey for children over one year old.

• Raise the child’s head during sleep to reduce nighttime coughing.

Herbs to soothe cough:

• Anise: calms dry and wet coughs.

• Thyme: antibacterial and helps clear phlegm.

• Ginger: reduces throat irritation.

• Mint: opens airways.

• Licorice: soothes the throat.

• Chamomile and guava leaves: help relieve cough and expel phlegm.