How to Treat Cough and Cold in Child
Cough and cold is a complaint that is often experienced by children. So that coughs and colds do not interfere with children's activities and reduce their joy, then you need to do how to treat cough and cold in child. Well, the way that we share is a simple way that can relieve a cough and cold without using medicines.
Cough and cold are generally caused by viruses or bacteria that infect the nose and throat. Coughs and colds caused by viruses can actually go away on their own within a few days, so they don't need to be treated with antibiotics. However, if the cough and cold is caused by a bacterial infection then it needs to be treated with antibiotics.
Although coughs and colds are generally harmless, they can interfere with children's activities and rest. Children who are usually cheerful can look lethargic and uninspired when they have coughs and colds. If this is the case, you as a parent will definitely feel sad and want your child to be healthy again.
How to Treat Cough and Cold in Child
If your child who is suffering from cough and cold is not yet 2 years old, then you should consult a doctor. Even so, you can still help relieve a child's cough with the following efforts.
1. Get enough sleep
When children have coughs and colds, the child's body will need more energy to fight viruses or bacteria that cause infection. Therefore, make sure your child can sleep and rest enough. Make the child's bedroom comfortable so they can sleep soundly. In addition to restoring energy, sleep is also needed by the child's body to recover.
2. When lying down make sure the child's head is higher
When your child has coughs and colds, they will experience nasal congestion making it difficult to breathe, and maybe the child will be fussy because of difficulty sleeping. So that your child can breathe more easily, then when sleeping position his head higher. The trick can be to use an extra pillow to support the head and shoulders.
3. Give more water to drink to children
If your child is more than 6 months old, then give him more drinking water. Drinking water can help thin the phlegm in the respiratory tract, so it will be easier to expel. In addition, by drinking enough water, children will avoid dehydration which can trigger various other health problems.
In addition to giving him a drink of water, you can also give him a warm drink such as tea as a distraction. Besides being able to relieve coughs and colds, warm drinks can also relieve a sore throat. If your child is still drinking breast milk, then continue giving it. Breast milk can help children to recover faster from coughs and colds.
4. Give honey to children
Honey has long been believed to relieve coughs and sore throats. However, honey should only be given to children who are more than 1 year old. To relieve coughs and colds in children, give half a teaspoon of honey to children before bedtime. So that children can more easily consume honey, you can mix 2 teaspoons of honey with warm tea or lemon juice.
5. Apply a special balm for children
Another way that can be done to relieve coughs and colds in children is to apply child balm to the chest, neck and back. However, what is important to remember is that the balm you use is specifically for children or babies. Usually in children's balms contain menthol, eucalyptus, camphor and chamomile. These natural ingredients are believed to be safe and effective to relieve coughs and colds in children.
Also read articles about: How to Treat Cough Naturally Fast
If the cough and cold experienced by your child does not improve after trying how to treat cough and cold in child, then immediately consult a doctor to get the right treatment. Especially if it is accompanied by a high fever, phlegm, yellow or green mucus, shortness of breath, does not want to eat and breastfeed, then immediately take your child to the doctor.
