According to Dr. Max April, professor of clinical otorhinolaryngology at Weill Cornell Medical Center and chair of the AAO-HNS Pediatric Otolaryngology Committee, in January 2008 the Food and Drug Administration recommended that parents and caregivers stop using traditional over-the-counter cold remedies for children under the age of 2 due to the side effects associated with these medications. Accurate dosage was at the heart of the FDA's new recommendation, as overdoses were found to be common. For children over the age of 2, the FDA strongly urges parents to use only the dosage cup or dropper provided with the medication. However, in addition to rest and fluids, the FDA prefers that parents try non-medicated remedies first.
Humidifiers
Humidified air, or steam, is a great decongestant for patients of any age. Steam works by loosening up the mucus that clogs sinuses. Humidifiers are available at any drug or discount store. If you do not have a humidifier in your home, a warm shower will also work, and has the added benefit of easing the sore muscles that come with colds and fevers.
Saline Drops and Suction
Saline is a salt water solution that breaks up and softens surface mucus on contact. This allows the mucus to move and unclogs the nasal cavities. Dr. Max April, professor of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology at Weill Cornell Medical Center, recommends installing up to three drops of saline in each nostril. Following the administration of the nose drops, parents can suction the loosened mucous with a bulb syringe.
Chicken Soup
Mom's have given chicken soup to their sick children for generations, and science now backs up the use of chicken soup as a powerful remedy against the common cold. The Mayo Clinic reports that chicken soup alleviates the swelling of the nasal mucosa by inhibiting the movement of neutrophils. Neutrophils are the cells in the immune system that cause inflammations, so suppressing their movement will also suppress congestion. The warm broth and steam work to speed up the movement of mucus.
Hydration
Dehydration is itself a cause of congestion. Dehydrated mucous membranes are easily irritated and become inflamed. This inflammation causes congestion.
Children who are sick often find it difficult to eat and drink. Encourage children to take their normal amount of fluids. Extra fluids are not necessary, which may be a relief to parents struggling to get their sick child to drink a small amount of juice. The physicians at the Mayo Clinic state that supplementation is not recommended for babies who are breastfeeding. They encourage breastfeeding mothers to continue breastfeeding, as mom's milk has immune boosting properties to help baby fight off colds and congestion.
