Common Cold Comforts: Tips to Help Your Child Feel Better There are over 200 cold viruses ready to lay your family low with nasal congestion, sore throat, and cough. Combat cold symptoms with these home remedies. Get rest. Rest helps the body focus its energy on getting well, so keep kids home from school, warm, and well-rested. Drink lots of fluids. Replenish liquids lost through sneezing and coughing. Fluids also help loosen mucus. Use a humidifier. A humidifier in your childs room can keep the air moist and reduce nasal and chest congestion. Talk to your pediatrician before giving OTC cold and cough medicines. These medicines should not be given to children under 4, according to the FDA and the drug makers. Also, evidence indicates medicines such as antihistamines, decongestants, and cough medicines dont really help, and they pose a small risk of serious side effects. Cold Symptoms: When to Call a Doctor Most colds pass in seven to 10 days, but give your childs pediatrician a call if your child has: Excessive trouble breathing An earache A fever of 102° F or higher A persistent cough Vomiting, by itself or after coughing Swelling of the sinuses or tonsils Flu Symptoms: Tips to Help Your Child Feel Better Unlike colds, the flu can come on suddenly and may include fever. Help kids cope with these quick tips. Keep kids home and well-rested. As with colds, bed-rest is vital to helping the bodys immune system fight the flu. Gargle with warm salt water. Salt watercan help relieve sore throat pain, while salt water nose drops can help loosen mucus and moisten skin. Stay hydrated. Fluids help the body tackle infection. Make sure your child drinks water, tea, or 100% juice, and eats clear soups to get the liquids he or she needs. Talk to your doctor about medications. Pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help relieve aches. Never give aspirin to children under 18 because it can cause potentially fatal Reyes syndrome.
Posted on: Tue, 13 Jan 2015 21:23:35 +0000
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