Search articles from thousands of Examiners
Write for us
Washington DC Family and Parenting DC Metro Area Parenting Examiner
DC Metro Area Parenting Examiner

Cough and Cold Remedies for Children

October 14, 7:44 AMDC Metro Area Parenting ExaminerMichelle Flannigan
Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe


Get alerts when there is a new article from the DC Metro Area Parenting Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.
Email Address


  Include other special offers from Examiner.com
Terms of Use


Photo courtesy of SXC
Last fall, the FDA advised against giving over-the-counter cough and cold remedies to children under the age of six. So, what now?
 
In a strange reversal of modern medicine, we parents are actually asking our parents and grandparents for medical advice. “What did you do before cough syrup?” we ask. Even stranger: their solutions often help. Curious to know whether these age-old tips have any medical backing, I consulted the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Apparently my mom and grandma know what they are talking about, as usual.
 
Cool mist humidifier: The AAP recommends placing a cool mist humidifier in your child’s bedroom. The cool air causes swollen nasal passages to shrink, allowing your child to breathe more easily. The mist moistens a raspy throat.
 
Honey: The AAP also suggests half a teaspoon of honey just before bedtime. It sticks to the child’s throat and helps stop the cough so your kid can sleep. Make sure your child is not allergic to honey beforehand, though, and do not give it to a baby under age one.
 
Saline nose drops: Squirt nose spray or nose drops up your child’s nose to loosen the mucus, advises the AAP. Then suction the snot out, or have the child blow into a tissue.

 

More About: Health

Add a Comment

Name:


Comments:
characters left

NOTE: Do Not Alter These Fields:

Vancouver 2010
Get exclusive coverage from Examiners on the Winter Games in Vancouver.

Recent Articles

Wednesday, October 14, 2009
My sister once told me that having a child is like wearing your heart outside of your body for the rest of your life. I did not have children at the …
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Halloween starts early in this town. If you wait until the end of October, you are likely to find the costumes picked over, the candy aisle bare, and …