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Treatment for a child’s cough and cold

Posted by sanjay on Wednesday 29 Apr 2009

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There is nothing unusual for children to get repeated attacks of colds and coughs. The reason is not far to seek. Growing children and adolescents do not have a fully developed immune system. Moreover, in that age they are likely to get infected from air pollution too, as they really are neither aware nor concerned of avoiding it. Such infections take their natural time of 7/10 days before dying out. It is thus rather too difficult to get rid of such colds before the stated time. But, you certainly can take steps to reduce the effects of common colds and coughs.

Treatment for cough
Certain basic precautionary measures coupled with homemade formulations would prove helpful. During winters the child should be adequately covered with woolens to keep the body warm. Nevertheless, the body should be kept clean by bathing with warm water. Adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil or thyme will offer relief as these essential oils facilitate breathing.

In case of infants, the best way to reduce the discomfort because of colds or cough is to rub the infant’s chest with one of these essential oils rosemary, eucalyptus, and peppermint. The eucalyptus is helpful in relieving the cough whereas rosemary acts as a tranquilizer for the infant and puts him or her to sleep. Having massaged, the infant should be wrapped in warm clothing or a quilt. It will help the infant to sleep peacefully.

Precautions
All the time you must take care to keep the child hydrated by offering it cold or hot drinks in the form of soups or juices. Fluids help to maintain and improve the body’s immunity. You should take adequate precautions to keep the child’s surroundings free of pollutants and as clean as possible.

This should particularly be practiced as far as its bed is concerned. Keeping the atmosphere around the child a bit warm adds to the comfort of the child. Above all, do not smoke in the child’s room. That surely is going to add to your woes. In case of infants, keep in mind that no other feed is as healthy as breast-feeding, especially when the child is sick.