Treating the Common Cold

There is no cure for the common cold; but everyone seems to have family remedies that will help ease the discomfort or help you recover faster. Here are some tips for how to treat your child at home for the common cold.

Rest: sleep is often the best “medicine” for helping your body recover.

Stay hydrated: water, some juices, warm water with honey and lemon, chicken soup (or other clear broths) can both help overall recovery, and ease congestion.

To ease sore throats: for older children, you can try gargling with warm water and a little salt (¼-½ tsp). Ice chips and throat lozenges can also help older children (for children younger than 4, these may be a choking hazard and should be avoided).

The use of a humidifier with vapors can also be used to alleviate symptoms.

Over the counter cough suppressants should be used sparingly, since coughing is the body’s natural method of getting mucus out of the lungs. In addition, OTC cough suppressants are not indicated under age 6.

If you have any questions, or would like more information, please contact us. If you think your child may have a cold and are unsure if you should bring them in or not, call either office and leave a message on the nurse line.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/in-depth/cold-remedies/art-20046403

https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000466.htm