Which method is advised for a child with a barky cough that worsens at night?

• A. Take the child outside into the more humid night air for 15 minutes.
• B. Take the child to the ER immediately.
• C. Give the child an over-the-counter cough suppressant.
• D. Give the child warm liquids to soothe the throat.

Answer: (A)

Managing a mild nocturnal barky cough in a child, usually croup, is best addressed with a simple home measure. Take the child outside into the humid night air for about 15 minutes. The moist, cooler air can help soothe the inflamed airway and ease the barking cough, providing quick relief without medications. Seek urgent care if there are signs of severe distress, such as stridor at rest, rapid breathing with chest retractions, significant drooling or inability to swallow, or poor feeding. Over-the-counter cough suppressants are not recommended for young children, and warm liquids may be comforting but don’t address the airway swelling seen with croup.