Chest congestion is a typical symptom of the common cold. Children and babies may get colds more often than adults due to frequent contact with other children. Young babies should see a doctor when chest congestion and other cold symptoms are first noticed. This is because it could be a sign of something more serious like pneumonia or croup. Otherwise, most children can benefit from home remedies that help clear chest congestion.
Physical Therapy
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends performing physical therapy on a child or young baby to help her cough out the congestion. To do this, a parent should place his child face down over his knees. Cup the hand and gently pat the sick child across the back. Encourage her to cough. This can also be done with the child sitting on a parent's lap. Have her lean forward approximately 30 degrees before patting on the back.
Fluids
Offering plenty of fluids to a sick child can help relieve congestion. Liquids cause mucus to thin out, allowing it to be coughed up more easily. In addition, as the Mayo Clinc explains, liquids prevent dehydration. Water is the best source of fluids but other varieties like juice and tea are acceptable. Chicken noodle soup is another good source of liquid. Not only does it provide fluid, it is shown to clear mucus more efficiently than other types of liquid, according to the book "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Children." If a baby is breastfeeding, encourage breast milk; it offers additional protection against germs that cause the cold.
Humidity
A humidifier or vaporizer can help reduce chest congestion. Humid air helps to soothe irritated membranes of the bronchial tubes. To be most effective, turn on a vaporizer and close the bedroom door about 30 minutes before a child goes to bed. ''That way you can get the humidity up to as much as 70 percent.'' says Dr. Owen Hendley of the Virginia School of Medicine in Charlottesville. If a humidifier isn't owned, a parent can simply steam up a bathroom with a hot running shower. The humidity in the air makes it a good place to sit with a sick child to help loosen up congestion.
References
- "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Children;" The Editors of Prevention Health Books; 1990
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Caring for a Child with a Viral Infection
- MayoClinic: Common cold in babies
