What to do if the child has a cold?
The nose is running, the throat is scratchy and the head is buzzing. In addition, there is usually fever and exhaustion. Typical signs of a cold. We get caught several times a year and unfortunately our children are not spared from flu infections either. Pediatricians’ waiting rooms are therefore very crowded, especially in winter and in the transitional period. But do you really have to go to the doctor for every cold, or can home remedies also help to alleviate the symptoms and thus improve your general well-being?
Did you know that children who do Kneipp treatments do not often catch colds?
Do you have to go to the doctor?
Whether and when you take your sick child to the doctor depends on various factors. First and foremost, it depends on the severity of the disease and the condition of the child. As a mother or father, you can tell when the child is so bad with a cold that medical attention is needed. These include fever over 39 degrees Celsius, apathetic behavior, severe earache and sore throat, which can be an indication of purulent angina. A painkiller and antipyretic should be in every medicine cabinet and can be given if necessary without first contacting the doctor. The same applies to plant-based cough syrup or a spray for a stuffy nose. Remaining stocks of prescription drugs that were administered for a previous illness may not be given on your own!
It’s understandable that parents don’t want to run to the pediatrician for every little cold. After all, kids who are otherwise ill also romp around there – in other words: the risk of infection in waiting rooms is very high. Fortunately, Mother Nature has a few things ready to help the little patients get well again. Coupled with old home remedies, you can treat the little runny noses and cough bears yourself to a certain extent.
What to do about earache?
Who does not know that? In the middle of the night – how could it be otherwise – the youngsters are plagued by aching ears. An onion wrap can provide quick relief. To do this, cut a small onion into cubes, sauté in the pan and allow to cool so that the child can no longer burn himself. Then tie the onion cubes in a handkerchief, place the wrap on the affected ear and fix it with a thin cap. The pain is usually gone by the next morning. What to do if the child does not want to be given ear drops ?
What can you do about a cough?
The typical cold almost always comes with a cough. A wrap helps here too, this time made from boiled, mashed potatoes. The small patient lies shirtless on his back and has a towel wrapped over his chest. The mashed potatoes are placed on top in a cloth and again covered with a towel. The wrap should be applied warm, but not too hot! Promotes blood circulation and thus facilitates expectoration.
Increasing the humidity can also help. Simply place damp cloths over the drying rack or on the heater. Excruciating dry cough can be relieved in this way.
My child does not want to take cough syrup!
What helps with colds?
Whether you have a runny or blocked nose – both are annoying. A head steam bath with sea salt or chamomile blossoms can clear the nose, the blood circulation is stimulated and the mostly viscous secretion can come out better. If the little patient doesn’t feel too ill and doesn’t have a high fever, a stay in the fresh air will do you good. Cold noses can breathe much better outside than in the apartment. What to do if the child does not want to take nose drops?
educe fever
Fever is actually good. It helps to destroy the pathogens – therefore it should only be suppressed with medication if there is no other way.
(Like taking temperature in children?)
If the fever is over 39 degrees Celsius, calf wraps are a tried and tested household remedy. The water should not be too cold for this and the sick child must have warm feet. A wipe or cloth diaper is suitable for the calf compress. Put a dry towel on top. If necessary, the wrap is changed. If the child wants, they can also eat blueberries. These also have an antipyretic effect.
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relieve sore throat
Gargling with salt water has proven effective for sore throats. It can be done multiple times a day. If you don’t like the taste, you can gargle with strong sage tea. It is just as effective if the child chews fresh sage leaves. Has a disinfecting and pain-relieving effect.
A good chicken soup to keep you going
If you ask grandma what helps against a cold, the chicken soup will definitely come up. But no instant broth, please! Buy a soup chicken and boil it until tender. take it out Fat can now be skimmed off if necessary. Now add the chopped carrots, celery and leeks to the pot with the chicken broth. Towards the end of the cooking time, the ribbon noodles are added. Once the chicken has been deboned and shredded, it becomes the vegetable noodle broth. Season to taste – and the strengthening chicken soup is ready.
Of course, there are many other home remedies for annoying colds. Every family has its own “tricks” and asking other parents can only broaden your own horizon of knowledge. Well then, good recovery! By the way, you can too Foot baths help with a cold!
And so that the kids don’t get bored, we also have some game ideas for sick children .
[Please note: Our items cannot replace the advice of a doctor. If you have health problems, please always consult a doctor you trust!]
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