HOME REMEDIES FOR COLD COUGH AND CONGESTION

COLDS COUGHS AND CONGESTION

Colds, coughs, and congestion are all common upper respiratory illnesses. They are usually caused by viruses but can also be caused by bacteria or other irritants. Colds are the most common, and usually involve a runny nose, sneezing, and a low fever. Coughs can be either dry or wet and can be accompanied by a sore throat. Congestion is usually caused by inflammation of the sinuses or airways, and can cause a stuffy nose, difficulty breathing, and pain in the face or head.

Young children seem to be even more prone to respiratory infections than adults. As with other minor infections, they almost always throw them off with remarkable speed. These infections can usually be treated at home, but it is wise to consult a doctor if your child has a chronic condition or suffers repeated infections.

CHILDREN AND SMOKING

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, and cigarettes are the most common form of tobacco. Each year, more than 3,200 kids and teens start smoking cigarettes, and an estimated 2,100 kids and teens who smoke die from smoking-related illnesses.
Cigarette smoking is particularly harmful to children and teens. In fact, 90% of all adult smokers started smoking before they turned 18. Children and teens who smoke are more likely to get cancer, have heart attacks, and die from smoking-related illnesses than adults who don’t smoke.
There are many ways to prevent your child from smoking. The best way to do this is to talk to your child about the dangers of smoking. You can also set a good example by not smoking yourself. If you need help quitting smoking, there are many resources available to you. It is harmful for a child to inhale smoke. Many of the children who have frequent respiratory complaints are reacting to their parent’s cigarette smoke. Give up smoking, or if you cannot do so, protect your child from tobacco fumes by not smoking in his or her presence.

MIDDLE EAR INFECTION

A middle ear infection is a common childhood infection that can cause pain and discomfort. The infection is usually caused by a virus or bacteria and can often be accompanied by a cold or other upper respiratory infection. The middle ear is the small space behind the eardrum that contains the tiny bones of the ear. When the middle ear becomes infected, these bones can become inflamed, causing pain. Most middle ear infections will resolve on their own, but some may require antibiotics to clear the infection. In rare cases, an infection can led to hearing loss or other complications. In young children, infections can quickly spread from the throat down the Eustachian tube to the middle ear infections can be dangerous and can lead to deafness if they are not treated. The main symptom of an infection is an earache, usually with a high temperature. An older child will tell you, her earache. A baby will cry and rub her ears. Because of the dangers you should consult your doctor the same day if symptoms don’t pass. Meanwhile, keep the child’s ear warm (but do not put cotton wool in the ear) and give her warm, comforting herbal infusions to drink.

HOME REMEDIES

There are a number of home remedies that can help alleviate the symptoms of a cough, cold or congestion. Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, herbal tea or chicken soup, can help to thin mucus and make it easier to cough up. Gargling with warm salt water can also help to reduce congestion and soothe a sore throat. Honey is another effective home remedy for coughs, as it can help to coat the throat and ease irritation. For congestion, placing a warm, wet towel over the face or taking a steamy shower can help to loosen mucus and make breathing easier.

• Apply petroleum jelly or chamomile ointment to be a sore nose.
• Make a decongestant massage oil by mixing 5 drops of myrrh, pine, or sandalwood essential oil with 50ml almond oil. Gently massage the chest, neck, and upper back.
• Give your child plenty of fluids, such as herbal infusion and fruit juices diluted with water. Hot lemon and honey is especially beneficial or palatable.
• Because they can be mucus-forming, try cutting milk and cheese from the child’s diet for a few days.
• Get your child to inhale a benzoin preparation available from your pharmacist, who can make a suitable recommendation.
• Give your child an extra pillow at night being slightly raised helps alleviate coughing.
• Ensure that your child gets plenty of vitamin C, either from fresh fruit and vegetables or by taking a supplement.

THERAPIES

There are many different therapies that can be effective for colds, coughs, and congestion. Some people may find relief with over-the-counter medications, while others may need to see a doctor for a prescription. In general, the goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms and make the person more comfortable.
For a cold, over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help relieve fever and pain. Antihistamines can also be helpful in relieving congestion and runny nose. For a cough, over-the-counter cough suppressants can be helpful in reducing the urge to cough. If the cough is productive, meaning there is mucus being coughed up, expectorants can help thin the mucus and make it easier to cough up.
If over-the-counter medications are not providing relief, it may be necessary to see a doctor. A doctor can prescribe stronger medications, such as antibiotics if the cold is caused by a bacterial infection, or steroids if the person has a more severe case of congestion. In some cases, a doctor may also recommend hospitalization if the person is having difficulty breathing.

AROMATHERAPY

Many essential oils have antiseptic properties and can help to clear the respiratory tract and soothe a sore throat. Among the best are tea tree (balsamic, expectorant), eucalyptus (decongestant, expectorant) and pine (balsamic, decongestant, and expectorant) Use the oil in vaporizer in the child’s room or for steam inhalation (up to 3 drops per bowl of hot water) older children can use tea tree as gargle 2 drops in a glass of warm boiled water. Other useful antiseptic oils, especially good at night are lemon soothing lower fever, lavender decongestant soothing, Sandal wood expectorant soothing, sprinkle a few drops on a handkerchief left on the child’s pillow.

HERBAL MEDICINE

The following herbal infusion (drunk hot) are useful for treating children’s colds

• Elderflower-for chills, feverish colds, congestion, and sinusitis
• Peppermint-for coughs and colds (good at night as it relaxes airways, calms, and helps to clear phlegm).
• Lime blossom-for colds with a headache (encourages restful sleep).

HOMEOPATHY

A qualified homeopathy may be able to prescribe a suitable remedy for your child, after taking into account his or her individual symptoms and personality picture Pulsatile is a remedy given for many children’s complaints.