Beat the Coughing Choruses: Your Ultimate Winter Cough Guide

Every parent recognises the moment winter officially arrives – not when the temperature drops, but when one child starts coughing and suddenly the whole house becomes a soundtrack of tickles, rattles, and throat-clearing. Coughs are an unavoidable part of family life, especially once school is back in full swing, and while most aren’t serious, they can be noisy, exhausting, and disruptive for everyone. A recent Broncho Junior survey* of parents and care-givers sheds light on just how common coughs are for school-age kids and how families manage them. Over a quarter of respondents said their child coughs around three times a year, while nearly half of parents reach for a cough syrup or pain reliever as soon as symptoms appear. Wheezing was reported as the hardest symptom to manage (44%), and age-appropriateness topped the list of what parents look for in a remedy (49%). Perhaps most interestingly, 84% prefer an all-in-one solution rather than juggling multiple products. The survey also revealed that today’s parents want solutions that feel gentle and natural, with 40% specifically seeking natural ingredients and 72% avoiding sugar wherever possible. Confidence levels are high -80% feel capable of managing cough symptoms at home, but parents want products that actually work and that their child won’t refuse. The good news? Only 31% said they struggle to get their child to take a cough remedy. With so many families searching for the same things – simplicity, reliability, and natural ingredients -it’s no surprise that Broncho Junior has become a go-to remedy in Irish homes. Incorporating traditional soothing ingredients like honey and marshmallow root, Broncho Junior’s formula addresses multiple symptoms in one easy step. For tired parents, it’s one less thing to worry about. But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s break down why understanding different cough types matters so much. Not all coughs are the same. There’s the dry cough, the nighttime troublemaker that peaks just when everyone finally gets comfortable. Then comes the chesty cough, full of rattles and congestion that often follows a cold. And of course, the persistent tickly cough, the one responsible for endless throat-clearing that drives parents to the brink. Most coughs will ease on their own, but having a trusted remedy on hand can make the journey far smoother. The survey showed that nearly three-quarters of parents are influenced by a GP or pharmacist – a reminder that reassurance and expert advice matter just as much as the product itself. What stands out most from the findings is this: parents don’t want bells and whistles. They want something safe, effective, easy to use, and aligned with what feels right for their child. That’s why remedies rooted in natural ingredients, like Broncho Junior, are increasingly preferred. So when the winter colds start a coughing chorus in your home, you can feel a little calmer knowing there are thoughtful, gentle solutions that help settle symptoms and restore some peace and quiet. Coughs may be part of the season – but chaos doesn’t have to be! *This study of 282 respondants was carried out by RollerCoaster on behalf of Broncho Junior in November 2025. Broncho Junior is a medical device used to relieve any cough (dry & chesty) associated with a cold. Children under 3 years of age should consult with a doctor to exclude more serious diseases being present. Use in children under 1 year of age is not recommended. Always read the Instructions for Use.