Latest
Soothing Coughs and Congestion
January 3rd, 2011 | 
Author: By Melissa, Contributor, Confessions of a Dr. Mom (@Melissa_DrMom)
During the winter when colds and the flu are in full swing, one of the most common questions I get from parents is, “What can I give my child for her cough?” Understandably, parents want to ease their child’s symptoms and help them sleep better. However, it has been shown that over the counter cough and cold medications for children are not particularly safe.
In fact, over the counter cough and cold medications are no longer recommended for children under the age of six. Not only have they been found to be quite ineffective, they have a poor risk versus benefit ratio.
So, what can you do to ease your child’s symptoms while dealing with a cold or the flu? Today I will share with you some non prescription remedies to help your little one be as comfortable as possible while recovering from one of these viruses.
Cool mist humidifier: I recommend these all the time. This is a safe way to add moisture to the air which helps soothe irritated noses and throats. The moisture helps thin out mucus and can help ease nighttime coughing.
Honey: Honey coats and soothes sore throats. When given 30 minutes prior to bedtime, it has also been shown to decrease nighttime coughing, which in turn helps children sleep better. This is only recommended for children ages two and older. Honey should never be given to children under the age of one due to the risk of botulism.
Bulb suction: This is great for infants and toddlers who are unable to blow their noses. Simply removing some of that nasal congestion can help them eat and breathe easier. When used in conjunction with saline nose drops, this can help thin out the nasal mucus and clean the nasal passages.
In addition to the above, I cannot emphasize enough how important hydration is throughout cold and flu season. Children will lose excess body fluids with fevers, coughs and diarrhea. Offering water and clear liquids frequently throughout the day will help prevent dehydration.
Children’s acetaminophen and ibuprofen are okay to help ease a child’s aches and fevers. Always double check your dose and use a dropper/syringe that is clearly marked to measure out the proper dose.
Finally, keep your child’s immune system in tip top shape throughout the cold and flu season by making sure she gets plenty of sleep, eats a well balanced diet and gets daily physical exercise.
Have you tried any of the above remedies and did they help your child?
Melissa is a part time pediatrician and full time mom of two. She candidly writes about her adventures in parenting on her blog, Confessions of a Dr.Mom
Posted in 
Tags: 
I’ve got to get a humidifier. Someone is always stuffy here, maybe that’s the ticket. I’ve been putting a drop or two of peppermint essential oil in my hands and rubbing them together then cupping them and inhaling.(Crunchy Betty’s recommendation) It really seems to open things up.
What do you think about Mentholatum?
Mentholatum essentially works the same way as the peppermint oil, it triggers receptors in your nose giving the sensation of coolness and the sense that the nasal passages are more open.
For children, I always err on side of caution. Not in children under 2 and be aware that these products could actually worsen respiratory distress in some children should they have a reaction to these products.
Melissa (Confessions of a Dr.Mom)´s last blog ..From Cable Cars in San Francisco to a Sad Santa Misadventure
PUT VICK’S VAPOR RUB ON THE SOLES OF YOUR FEET AND COVER WITH SOCKS!
I’ve heard about this but cannot vouch for it!
Melissa (Confessions of a Dr.Mom)´s last blog ..From Cable Cars in San Francisco to a Sad Santa Misadventure
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by OurMommmyhood, Taming Insanity. Taming Insanity said: Soothing Coughs and Congestion – http://bit.ly/eNBVue @ourmommyhood [...]
These are great ideas. I have never tried using honey, but I bet the kids would enjoy having a little treat in the name of feeling better. Thanks for the tips!
Mrs.Mayhem´s last blog ..The Inn at Perry Cabin
Okay, this post makes me feel like I know what I’m doing.
Our humidifier has been going for a few weeks straight… someone’s always getting a scratchy throat around here.
Jill´s last blog ..I Got On Stage!
My kids won’t take straight honey, so I mix it into some apple juice with ice and they love it. Gets the same results! Great post. Very helpful info.
Katie Hurley´s last blog ..New Year- new home Tips for moving with kids
Great tip on mixing the honey with some juice and ice! Thanks.
Melissa (Confessions of a Dr.Mom)´s last blog ..From Cable Cars in San Francisco to a Sad Santa Misadventure
I’ll have to try honey – great tip!
We use our humidifier all the time. They kind of give me the creeps, so I spend a lot of time and money cleaning, drying, and changing filters.
Missy @ Wonder, Friend´s last blog ..Pavlov and His Dogs
Great tips!
Do you have any tips for keeping a cool mist humidifyer bacteria free?
Thanks for this fantastic info.
Bug’s Mom´s last blog ..Cats Dont Like Water
Yeah, that’s the hard part. Letting it air and dry out every now and then will prevent mold from taking hold. It does have to be cleaned frequently…the downside.
Melissa (Confessions of a Dr.Mom)´s last blog ..From Cable Cars in San Francisco to a Sad Santa Misadventure
[...] Remedies for Colds | Natural Cold Remedies | Remedies for Chest Congestion | Our Mommyhood [...]
[...] Pediatrician Melissa kicked off the week for us with a helpful post on soothing coughs and congestion in young [...]