Cough in children It is very common when they suffer a cold; it is uncomfortable and can be heavy. In the little onesIn addition, the discomfort intensifies and rest is interrupted, so it is important to know safe home remedies and clear guidelines to alleviate it.
A very effective way to clear throat When there is mucus, it is a natural remedy based on water and salt, it's that simple. It can be used by many children from the age of 4 years with supervision, although most learn to gargle well between the 6 and 7 years. Below I will tell you how to do it and what other measures help.
You'll need:
- Un glass of warm water (potable, preferably sterile or previously boiled if sensitive).
- Half teaspoon of salt (ideally not iodized, it dissolves better).
- The lemon drops (optional, provides freshness).
How to do it:
Simply add the salt in the glass of water and mix well; if you prefer (and your child doesn't mind) add a few drops of lemonYour little one will have to gargle with this preparation 3-4 times a day while the cold lasts, avoiding swallowing it. If you are under 6 years old, supervises closely or consider replacing it with gentle rinses.
How to teach him to gargle:
If your little one doesn't know, teach him first only with waterExplain to him that he must tilt head back without swallowing; when you control it, let it do throat noises and when finished, that spit. Do it with him so that you mimics. Start with small sips and repeat at short intervals.
Other safe and effective home remedies
- Hydration and warm drinks: offers water, broths or decaffeinated infusions. Hot beverages soothe the throat, loosen mucus and comfort.
- Cool Mist Humidifier: If the environment is dry, a humidifier near the bed reduces irritation. Clean it with frequency to prevent mold.
- Warm shower or bath steam: breathe warm vapors before sleeping helps to loosen mucus and relax. Always supervise little ones.
- Ice cream or popsicles: cold They soothe sore throats and promote hydration when it is difficult to drink.
- Saline and nasal suction: cleaning the nose reduces the back drip that causes cough. For adults, blow your nose often; for babies, use Saline solution and aspirator. You can prepare saline (nasal use) with 1/2 tsp non-iodized salt + 1/4 tsp baking soda in 1 cup of sterile water.
- Honey (over 1 year): 1 teaspoon before bedtime reduces coughing and soothes the throat. Never in under 1 year.
- Elevating your head while sleeping (from 2 years): an extra pillow makes it easier sewer system mucus and reduces nighttime cough.
Plants and accessories: what to do, what not to do, and precautions
- Ginger: In infusion (20-40 g of root per cup) it has an effect anti-inflammatory; can cause acidity in some children.
- Thyme and eucalyptus: useful as expectorant in inhalations or infusions in the elderly. Avoid essential oils direct in minors without professional advice.
- Marshmallow/Slippery Elm: su mucilage relieves irritation; they could interfere with medications. Consult first.
- Bromelain (pineapple): has action mucolytic, but the juice provides little quantity; Supplements only with a pediatrician for possible Interacciones.
- Acetylcysteine: mucolytic with evidence in bronchitis. In children, do not self-report nor supplement without a pediatrician.
- Probiotics (Lactobacillus): can support the immune system; uses pediatric products and consultation in case of doubt.
Over-the-counter medications and safety by age
- Minors of 4 years: not recommended cold and cough suppressants.
- From 4 to 6 years: only if the pediatrician indicates.
- From 6 years old: follow dosage and limits from the packaging. Avoid codeine; caution with decongestants y dextromethorphan.
When to consult the pediatrician
- Respiratory distress, wheezing or barking cough (croup).
- Chest pain when breathing or coughing with high fever persistent.
- Dehydration, marked decay or previous conditions respiratory.
- Cough that does not improve or lasts more than 2 weeks (or very frequent nocturnal).
More information - Honey and lemon to relieve cough
Photo - rctv. With a combination of saline gargle, good nasal hygiene, hydration and a humid, smoke-free environment, most children's coughs improve without medication; adjust measures to the edad and check if they appear alarm signals.
