You may see your child coughing or having a cold but it is more common during winter. It develops the immune system of kids when they are exposed to germs. They need rest to recover and some other steps can also help to reduce the symptoms. The best pediatrician in Islamabad says that a regular cough your child may experience for at least 2 weeks.
Some viruses are responsible for the cough that does not have any cure. Some comfort measures at home can help to ease the symptoms. You should keep your child hydrated.
Relaxing and sleeping are the best solutions to speed up the recovery process for your kids. Let’s jump into detail about what you can do for your child.
Fluids
When your child is sick, make sure that you keep the child hydrated. Water intake helps to fight off illness. It keeps the airways moist.
Giving your year child one serving of water a day prevents dehydration. But your two-year-old child requires at least two servings of water.
During flu or cold, or even cough, your child may not prefer eating anything special. Your younger kids need enough water to deal with dehydration.
You should try to make your child sip on water after a while. But avoid pushing your children as it can result in vomiting.
Popsicles are also a good source to keep your kids hydrated. It also soothes the sore throat.
Elevate head
An older toddler should sleep using one or more pillows during cough as it lets your child sleep peacefully. You can also elevate your kid's bed mattress that can set your child's position. You can also use a rolled-up towel under the mattress that can help to elevate the head.
Cold air
You can relieve cough symptoms if it’s cold outside. Using fresh air and exercise can help.
Your child walking in the cold weather can help to exhaust your toddler. A freezer can also help to reduce cough symptoms.
Vapor rub
Camphor or menthol containing vapor can help to reduce the cough. You can rub the balm on the chest and feet of your child. Some researchers say that this can boost mucus production that can block the airways.
Essential oils
When you open your social media, you see more herbal products these days. These herbal products can help to ease the cough and deal with muscle aches. You should ask your doctor what type of essential oil is best for your child.
Humidifier
Make sure that you do not let the airways of your children dry. You can add moisture to the air using a humidifier. A cold air humidifier can help to reduce the symptoms as it is safer than others. Make sure that you should distilled water to slow down the mineral buildup.
A hot shower also works as a humidifier that can provide enough steam to keep your child airways moisture. You can put some toys in the tub to make your child busy for a while.
Honey
A natural sweetener like honey helps to soothe the sore throat. It contains many beneficial properties, like antibacterial which fight off infections. For an under one year child, honey is not a good option. Experts say that honey in under one year can increase the risk of botulism.
You can ask your doctor what amount you should give your child over one. Once you give your child a spoon of honey, it will help your child to ease the cough symptoms.
When it comes to hydration, honey is a good choice to go with.
Saline nasal drops
Hard mucus can interrupt breathing and cause coughing. Nasal saline drops help to soften the mucus. Make sure that you give your child a steamy bath that can also soften the mucus and open the passages.
Coughing can interfere with your child's sleep pattern. You should use the drops before your child's bedtime. It does not have any side effects but still, you need to ask the doctor.
Final Thought
If you notice any sign of breathing difficulty or serious illness, you should go to a pediatrician. A steamy bath can also help to reduce the symptoms of the cough.
