
Hello Friends,
As school is officially back in session, all the colds and sick is being shared just as much as our summer-time stories. What do we DO for our kiddos to help with the common cold? Well, while we still don't have a medication that cures it, there are actually quite a few things we can do to improve it!
1. Rest and Hydration
Plenty of Sleep: Encourage your child to rest when they feel tired. To help all children sleep better, try to get their noses/sinuses as clean as possible before lying down.
Stay Hydrated: Offer plenty of fluids, such as water, pedialyte, milk, watered-down 100% juice, or broth.
2. Over-the-Counter Relief
Fevers: Tylenol is safe for all babies above 3 months old. For any baby under 3 months, call me first!! Sometimes we need to do a larger workup for our younger babies. Motrin is safe for kids over 6 months.
Cough: Studies show that honey is just as effective, possibly more effective, than most cough medicines and definitely has less side effects. If your kiddo is over 1 years old, try a spoonful of honey and clearing out the sinuses through nose-blowing and/or suctioning to help with cough.
Vomiting: There are no great OTC meds for nausea. Generally sipping fluids slowly, ice-pops, and ice-chips can be helpful. If it continues and your little is not able to keep anything down for more than 12-24 hours, give us a call. We may need to prescribe a medication.
Diarrhea: We do not want to give our kiddos any medications to stop diarrhea. When diarrhea is caused by a bacteria or a virus, we want it to leave our bodies. Keep your little super hydrated and avoid very sugary foods, picey foods, and fried foods.
3. Manage Nasal Congestion
Saline Drops or Spray: Use saline drops or spray to help clear nasal passages.
Humidifier: A humidifier can help soothe a stuffy nose. Be sure to keep your humidifier nice and clean - we do not want to put mold in the air.
Steamy Shower: Another option is to turn your shower on hot, close the door, and turn off the fan. Let the room fill with steam and put your kiddo in the bathroom (not in the hot water) for about 10-15min.
Vics: Can be helpful for some. For those that are sensitive to scents, please do not use. Generally I prefer putting Vics on the soles of the feet so that the smell is not too strong, especially for our littlest ones.
4. Soothe a Sore Throat
Warm Liquids: Offer warm liquids like soup or tea to soothe a sore throat. Add a little honey for extra relief in our kids over 1 year old.
Motrin: Ibuprofen/motrin helps with decreasing inflammation, which can help to improve a sore throat.
Gargle: Encourage your child to gargle with warm saltwater, if they are over the age of 12 years.
5. Prevent the Spread
Hand Hygiene: Teach your child to wash their hands frequently with soap and water.
Cover Coughs and Sneezes: Remind them to cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Coughing or sneezing into our elbows is far better than into our hands.
6. When to Give us a Call
Severe Symptoms: If your child has severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, fever over 102.5, or persistent vomiting or diarrhea, definitely give us a call. But, feel free to reach out at any point if you have questions.
Remember, the common cold will resolve on its own. By following these tips, you can help your child feel more comfortable during their illness.
Here for you,
~Dr. Chacko at Blooming Bright
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