‘Tis the Season: Cough and Cold Remedies

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remediesIt’s that time of year… My family’s been busy picking up germs wherever we go, bringing them home, and sharing. Our last bout of colds started with croup for my older daughter and ended a few weeks later with a sinus infection for me.

Over the past five years, we haven’t gotten much better at avoiding illness, but we have learned a variety of remedies. (Please note: I’m just a mom with suggestions, be sure to seek medical guidance as necessary).

Steam

This is the most common recommendation that I read, for both congestion and croup. Turn the shower on as hot as you can, close the bathroom door, and stay in the steamy room. We haven’t had much luck with it, but I know many people swear by it.

Fresh Air

The best relief my daughter gets when she has a cough is to go for a walk outside in the cold, fresh air… just be sure to bundle up! We also like to bury ourselves in blankets and sleep with a window open.

Sleep Elevated

For relief from post-nasal drip, try sleeping with your head elevated. For adults and older children, you can use extra pillows. For younger children, you can try a crib wedge under the sheet or under the mattress.

Vaseline

We use Vaseline for both chapped noses (from frequent nose-blowing) and chapped lips (from mouth-breathing when we’re congested). Our faces may look absurdly shiny, but at least they’re not sore. For best results, apply heavily before bedtime.

Vapor Rub

These soothing rubs can be applied on the chest, back, and bottoms of feet; for children 3 months and older. We have used both Honest Breathe Easy Rub and Vicks BabyRub; they have different ingredient lists, but the results are the same.

Essential Oils

I know very little about essential oils, but in a moment of “I’ll try anything!” I bought Oilogic’s “Stuffy Nose and Cough” Essential Oil Roll-On. You can easily apply this oil on the chest, back, and bottoms of feet; for children 6 months and older.

Honey

A spoonful of honey is soothing for sore throats, and may also work as a cough suppressant. Plus, as an added bonus, it tastes so sweet. *Honey should never be given to infants under 1.

Homeopathic Medicine

These alternative medicines may not be for everyone, but we’ve had a lot of luck with Hyland’s, and Zarbee’s is another popular (and local) brand. 

Ask the Pharmacist

Cold and cough medicines are no longer recommended for young children, however some medicines are able to be given to children as of age 4. Ask the pharmacist for recommendations.

Call for a Doctor’s Appointment

Sometimes, you need more than anything you can try at home or buy over the counter. Depending on severity, your pediatrician may prescribe a nebulizer or inhaler. Or, in the case of my sinus infection, I only felt relief when I was eventually prescribed an antibiotic.

I’m not one to stock-up on much, but when it comes to coughs and colds, I like to have all of our options in our house. I find that different treatments work better at different times, and may vary by family member.

For more information about “Keeping Kids Healthy During Cold/Allergy Season”, check out these tips from Dr. Robert Weiss of the CT Center for Advanced ENT Care.

What are your favorite remedies for coughs and colds?

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