Until the common cold has a cure, moms will keep searching for ways to make their kids feel less stuffy, runny, sore or feverish. Since colds are caused by viruses and not bacteria, avoid giving your child antibiotics; they won't help your little one get well any faster and could contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Similarly, do not give children under 2 over-the-counter cold medicines, as serious side effects like high blood pressure have been noted, according to Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Check with your pediatrician before starting your child on any medication or home remedy.
Chicken Soup
This folk-wisdom remedy tastes good and just plain feels good, but it can also help speed the healing process by reducing inflammation. When your body picks up a cold virus, your immune system releases a certain type of cell called the neutrophil. This cell actually creates an inflammatory reaction as it's battling the virus. According to a study performed at the Nebraska Medical Center published in the journal "Chest" in October 2000, chicken soup "significantly inhibited" the movement of these neutrophil cells, reducing inflammation. The study found that individual parts of the soup---the broth, the vegetables and the chicken---each contributed to the anti-inflammatory effect.
Honey
"Woman's Day" magazine and the Mayo Clinic agree---honey works for kids and adults when it comes to coughing. Dr. Ian Paul of Penn State College of Medicine tells the magazine that he has found that honey works better than an over-the-counter cough medicine in children over the age of 1. Kids younger than 1 year old shouldn't have honey as there is a risk of botulism. The Mayo Clinic concurs, suggesting warm water with honey as a way to loosen congestion and keep your child from getting dehydrated.
Saline Nose Drops or Spray
Although nose drops probably aren't your child's favorite thing, they may help him kick his cold faster than without them. According to pediatrician Amy Guiot of the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, saline drops and sprays help get rid of a stuffy nose. "Women's Day" magazine seconds this idea---the saline can make it easier for your child to breathe as it helps to thin the mucous lining in his nasal passages and respiratory tract.
Acetaminophen or Ibuprofin
If your child has aches, pain or sinus pressure caused by a cold virus, give her ibuprofen or a single-ingredient acetaminophen. Paul tells "Woman's Day" these pain relievers work on more than just fevers and can make your child more comfortable. The Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center agrees, advising you to follow dosing instructions on the packaging, as excessive dosing can cause liver damage.
References
- "Chest"; Chicken Soup Inhibits Neutrophil Chemotaxis In Vitro; Nebraska Medical Center; October 2000
- "Woman's Day"; Kids' Health: 3 Effective Cold Remedies; Madonna Behen; Oct. 27, 2008
- Mayo Clinic: Cold Remedies: What Works, What Doesn't, What Can't Hurt
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center: Cough and Cold Remedies for Children Under Two
