Herbs For Children With Chest Congestion & Croup Cough

In January 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, in concert with the American Academy of Pediatrics, advised that over-the-counter cold medications not be given to children younger than 2 because of the risk of life-threatening side effects. With the arrival of another cold and flu season, you may be wondering what you're supposed to do for your child when the coughing starts. Many parents turn to herbal remedies, even though there is little scientific evidence to support the use of herbs for viral infections in children.

Cough and Congestion

A cough is the body's reflexive attempt to clear airways that are inflamed or congested with mucus. Like conventional cold medications, the aim of herbal therapies is to decrease inflammation, reduce mucus production or suppress the cough reflex. Additionally, many herbs are reputed to tonify, or strengthen, the lungs and respiratory system. According to Louise Tenney, author of "Today's Herbal Health for Children," marshmallow, mullein, hyssop, wild cherry, licorice, ginger, peppermint, fenugreek and horehound are all useful for respiratory infections, and all are safe for children when used in recommended doses. External applications of eucalyptus can help relieve congestion. Some people apply poultices of sliced onions, sandwiched between layers of warm, moistened cloth, to a congested child's chest. Black elderberry and echinacea are frequently used to boost the immune system and fight viruses. Aromatherapy with rosemary, eucalyptus, peppermint or other aromatic herbs is sometimes useful. Due to the potential for toxicity, some traditional remedies, such as coltsfoot and lobelia, should be avoided by people who are unfamiliar with their use.

Croup

Croup is a generic term for a group of illnesses that affect the upper airways of children and cause a barking, seal-like cough, wheezing, hoarseness and inspiratory stridor, which is a whistling or crowing sound that occurs with each inward breath. Croup is a primary reason for hospitalization in children younger than 4. Like colds, most cases of croup are caused by viruses, with parainfluenza viruses accounting for 3/4 of cases. Many of the herbs that are used for common colds can also be used for croup, but a few additional measures can be taken with croup that just might save a visit to an emergency room. Aggravation and crying usually make croup worse, so keeping your child calm is helpful. Many children with croup prefer to sit up or to be held upright. When stridor occurs, it can sometimes be "broken" by exposing the child to either warm, misty air or to cold, dry air. First, run hot water in the shower or tub behind a closed bathroom door. When you have a fair amount of steam in the air, take your child into the bathroom for 10 to 15 minutes. If this doesn't seem to help, bundle him or her comfortably and go outside for a few minutes. Such measures will usually improve your child's breathing for a couple of hours -- enough to give everyone a short nap before you have to repeat the process. Setting a cool mist humidifier in your child's room may buy some additional time. Herbal aromatherapy may be helpful, but it should be approached with caution because it occasionally worsens upper airway irritation.

Considerations

Colds and croup are self-limiting illnesses that typically pass within a few days. Simple measures, such as rest, fluids and proper nutrition, are usually sufficient to see your child through the episode. The use of herbs or conventional medications often only makes you feel like you're being attentive without necessarily improving your child's condition. Like other pharmaceutical preparations, herbs can evoke unexpected or adverse reactions. Use herbs with care, and do not exceed recommended doses. As with any medical condition, a child whose cold or cough is not responding or whose symptoms are growing worse should be seen by a medical professional.