Chest colds, often referred to by doctors as bronchitis or bronchiolitis, are infections of the large and small airways of the chest, respectively. They often begin as a common cold. Bronchiolitis is most common in infants, and usually resolves in a matter of days. Parents can treat most cases of bronchiolitis with home remedies; however, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends seeing a doctor whenever a child younger than 3 months has a fever.
Saline Treatment
Salt water or saline nose drops can help to thin and clear out mucus that is causing nasal congestion and possibly impeding sleeping and eating. Parents can buy these drops over-the-counter at any pharmacy, or make a batch at home by adding 1/4 tsp. of salt into 1/2 cup of lukewarm water. Fisher Price "Ask the Experts" author and pediatrician Dr. Karen Sokal-Gutierrez instructs parents to tilt the baby's head back and squeeze 1 or 2 drops of saline into one nostril. Using a rubber-tipped suction bulb or nasal aspirator, parents should squeeze the bulb before placing gently into the nostril tip, then release the bulb, effectively suctioning any loose mucus. Parents should then remove the bulb and squeeze any secretions into a tissue, and repeat the procedure on the other nostril. Parents should be sure to rinse the bulb with warm soapy water when complete.
Add Moisture to the Air
Indoor air can dry up respiratory passages and make mucus stickier, according to the KidsHealth website. This is especially true during winter months, when infants are most likely to catch chest colds. Parents can place a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier near the crib at night to moisturize the air, effectively loosening mucus that relieves both cough and congestion.
Increased Fluids
It is important to give plenty of fluids when a child has a chest cold, according to DrGreene.com, to prevent dehydration. This can be challenging with a sick child that very well may not feel like nursing or drinking. The KidsHealth website advises parents to offer smaller amounts of fluids on a more frequent basis until the illness has passed. MedlinePlus advises parents to offer warm lemonade or apple juice if a child is older than 4 months.
Avoid Cigarette Smoke
MedlinePlus urges parents to avoid cigarette smoke exposure at all times, in particular when a child is sick with bronchiolitis. This is because cigarette smoke can further irritate already infected airways. Parents must make efforts to ensure no one smokes anywhere near the child.
Rest
Infants with a chest cold need plenty of rest to help them recover. This means childcare providers should take care to let their baby sleep longer than usual when it comes to naps and wakeup times.
