Cold Treatment for Children

The cold virus can be caused by over 200 different viruses. School-age children are exposed to different cold viruses continually in the classroom. According to Baby Center, children typically experience 6-10 colds every year. Colds typically start out with congestion and cough. A runny nose and fever may follow shortly. Unfortunately, medications will not make a cold go away fast, but treatments may help alleviate symptoms. In addition to the treatments discussed below, children should be allowed to rest so that their bodies can fight off the infection causing the cold symptoms.

Treating Congestion

• Parents should encourage the child to blow his/her nose to help eliminate excess mucus. Also, using a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier in the child's room will make night-time breathing easier. Vapor rubs massaged into the child's chest and back may also help relieve congestion. Do not put the vapor rub on the child's face. In addition, using an extra pillow to elevate the child's head at night may reduce postnasal drip. Over-the-counter cold medications should not be given to children under the age of 6. Cold medications are not effective in younger children and may even be dangerous.

  Sick children can be offered soups and other warm liquids to combat congestion and other cold symptoms. Also, parents should encourage children to drink plenty of fluids, which help to thin mucus.

  Other home remedies include adding pine oil, eucalyptus or menthol to a bath or vaporizer to relieve congestion. Also, parents can irrigate the nasal passages of children aged 4 and older with a neti pot filled with a saline solution.

  Parents should not give their child the decongestant herb Ma Huang because it can be potentially dangerous in young children.

Treating Fever

• Tylenol or Motrin may be given to children to reduce fever. Some parents may find that rotating the two medications is helpful. It is important to give the child the proper dose for his age and weight. Children should not be given aspirin. Also, other medications containing acetaminophen or ibuprofen should should be avoided to prevent overdose.

Treating Cough and Sore Throat

• A child's cough can be treated with honey. According to Baby Center, honey may be particularly effective is soothing night-time coughing. Do not give honey to any child younger than 12 months. For children aged 1 to 5, give the child 1/2 teaspoon of honey. For those aged 6 to 11 years old, give the child 1 teaspoon of honey.

  Gargling with salt water may help to reduce throat pain and to remove mucus from the throat. Parents should mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt with a cup of warm water. The child can gargle salt water up to four times per day to help relieve symptoms.