Common symptoms of a cold include nasal congestion and coughing. In the case your child is having difficulty breathing or suffering from a high fever, your doctor should be contacted right away to evaluate his symptoms. Most cough and congestion symptoms are able to be treated naturally without medical intervention. The KidsHealth website from the Nemours Foundation warns that children under the age of 4 should not be given cough medicines.
Step 1
Prepare a saline solution to relieve nasal congestion. Mix together the salt and warm water until well blended. Suction out any mucus in the nose with the nasal aspirator. Place two to three drops of saline solution into each nostril. Use nasal aspirator again to suction out any loosened mucus. Repeat up to four times per day.
Step 2
Place a cool-mist humidifier filled with water into the child's room. Cough and congestion symptoms can be aggravated by dry air.
Step 3
Turn on a hot shower and close the door to the bathroom. Allow the room to fill up with steam. Sit with your child in the steam for approximately 20 minutes to help improve breathing problems associated with coughing and congestion.
Step 4
Give the child cold beverages and snacks. Ice pops and cold water can be soothing to a child who suffers from cold symptoms.
Step 5
Serve the child honey at bedtime. Children over the age of 2 may be given honey at night to relieve coughing symptoms. Seattle Children's Hospital recommends a dose of ½ tsp. for children 2 to 5, 1 tsp. for children between the ages of 6 and 11 and 2 tsp. for children up to 18 years old.
Step 6
Allow the child to suck on a piece of hard candy. If over the age of 3, a piece of hard candy can be given to soothe discomfort from coughing.
Things You'll Need
- Honey
- Humidifier
- 1/2 tsp. table salt
- 1 cup warm water
- Nasal aspirator
