A healthy child will have an average of 30 colds before he or she starts kindergarten. That’s a lot of sniffles and coughs – not to mention tissue and popsicles. To make your child’s colds a little easier for everybody, Texas Children’s has a few hints.
Although it’s tempting to want to give a child medicine, that usually is not the best way to treat a cold. Since colds are viruses, medicines cannot prevent colds or speed your child’s recovery. Most cold medicines are not beneficial because they can’t remove dried mucus from the nose.
“Antihistamines are helpful only if your child also has nasal allergies,” said Dr. Gail Demmler, pediatrician and director of the Diagnostic Virology Laboratory at Texas Children’s. “Antibiotics don’t help unless your child develops an ear infection or sinus infection.”
So what does help?
Demmler suggests a little TLC, rest and plenty of fluids – those tried- and-true remedies that work wonders. If the cold is mild and you think child does not need to see a doctor, try these tips to make your child more comfortable.
If your child has:
- A runny nose with profuse discharge
Nasal mucus and discharge are Mother Nature’s way of washing viruses and bacteria out of the nose and sinuses. For younger children, suction the nose with a suction bulb. If the child is older, help or encourage him or her to blow the nose. To protect delicate skin, clean the skin around the nose and apply petroleum jelly.
- A blocked nose
Sometimes noses get blocked by dried or sticky mucus that blowing alone cannot remove. If this happens, Demmler suggests warm water or saline nose drops after blowing or suctioning. Put two or three drops in each nostril, one side at a time. Caution: If the child is less than 1 year old, use one drop per nostril. Repeat at least four times each day or at any time your child can’t breathe through the nose.You can make saline nosedrops by adding ½ teaspoon salt to 1 cup (8 oz.) of warm water.
- Fever
Demmler recommends acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol®) or ibuprofen for muscle aches, headaches or fever more than 100.4°F (38° C) rectally
- Sore throat
Feed warm chicken broth to children over 1 year old and hard candy to children over 4 years old.
- Cough
Use cough drops for children over 4 years old.
- Red eyes
Rinse eyelids frequently with wet cotton balls.
If your home is dry, you may want to try a humidifier. If you do, remember to clean it often to avoid germs.
