These methods are recommended because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises against the use of cough and cold medications in children under 2.This includesVicks VapoRub, a popular over-the-counter remedy whose active ingredient, camphor, can increase mucus production and make congestion worse in children with smaller airways.
This article explains how each of these home remedies works andwhythey work. It also describes the signs and symptoms of a medical emergency every parent should know.
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There are three ways a parent can do this:
Increasing Humidity
Breathing in steam is another good way to break up mucus and ease a cough. The warmth causes the dilation (widening) of the airways, allowing moisture deeper access into the smaller passages of the lungs. Try running a hot shower and sitting outside the stall with your child.
Don’t use a humidifier around the clock as overly damp surfaces can promote the growth of mold. Empty and clean the humidifier every day to prevent bacterial buildup.
Vaporizer vs. Humidifier: Which Is Best?
Getting Lots of Fluids
Arguably the best option for toddlers to drink is plain water, but apple juice and broth are also good. Avoid orange juice as the acidity can irritate a child’s throat. Milk may also not be good because it can increase mucus production.
Signs of Dehydration to Watch Out For
Suctioning Nasal Mucus
A bulb syringe can help remove mucus from your child’s nose. This can prevent nasal and sinus congestion that can impair breathing and make coughing worse.
To use a bulb syringe:
Avoid suctioning more than one to two times a day as this can irritate the nasal passages. Stop right away if you notice blood in the mucus or your child’s nose.
What Kind of Cough Are You Dealing With?
Infections of these sorts are common. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, even healthy children in daycare can have up to eight viral respiratory infections with a cough every year.
The most common viral causes in babies and young children include:
Less common causes include allergies, asthma,sinusitis(sinus infection),acid reflux, and aninhaled foreign body.Potentially serious causes includebacterial pneumonia,seasonal flu,COVID-19,andpertussis (whooping cough).
How to Deal With Colds in Babies
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
When to Call 911Call 911 or seek emergency care if your child experiences the following signs and symptoms:Shortness of breathwithwheezingRapid, shallow breathingStruggling for each breath and barely able to speak or cryRibs that pull in with each breath (intercostal retractions)Coughing up bloodLips or face that turn a blueish colorAny fever if under 3 months
When to Call 911
Call 911 or seek emergency care if your child experiences the following signs and symptoms:Shortness of breathwithwheezingRapid, shallow breathingStruggling for each breath and barely able to speak or cryRibs that pull in with each breath (intercostal retractions)Coughing up bloodLips or face that turn a blueish colorAny fever if under 3 months
Call 911 or seek emergency care if your child experiences the following signs and symptoms:
When to Worry About Your Child’s Cough
Summary
A cough with chest congestion in children under 2 years of age is not treated with drugs. Instead, the treatment should involve the inhalation of steam or humidity, lots of fluids, and a bulb syringe to clear nasal mucus.
12 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.New CDC study highlights burden of pneumonia hospitalizations on U.S. children.
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Kua KP, Lee SW.Complementary and alternative medicine for the treatment of bronchiolitis in infants: a systematic review.PLoS One. Published 2017 Feb 17. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0172289
Wopker PM, Schwermer M, Sommer S, et al.Complementary and alternative medicine in the treatment of acute bronchitis in children: a systematic review.Complement Ther Med. 2020;49:102217. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2019.102217
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