Most colds in children are caused by viruses and usually get better on their own over time. (FDA: Should You Give Kids Medicine for Coughs and Colds). Treatment usually aims to keep the child comfortable while his or her own immune system battles the infection. Supportive care may include drinking plenty of fluids, getting enough rest, using saline nasal drops or spray to help relieve a blocked or runny nose, and keeping the environment comfortable and humidified. Some age-appropriate measures may also help to relieve cough and throat irritation for older children.

Parents should be particularly cautious when considering over-the-counter cough and cold products for young children. More than one active ingredient may be present in some products. This can cause unwanted or potentially serious side effects, especially if the product is given at the wrong dose or with other medications. The FDA specifically warns against giving some cough and cold products to children younger than 2 years old, and many manufacturers label these products as not for use in children under 4 years old.

Carers should consult a paediatrician or pharmacist when in doubt, rather than choosing a cough or cold medicine based solely on what is written on a product label or recommended by another parent, checking the child’s age, symptoms and other medications. If your child has difficulty breathing, persistent high fever, dehydration, unusual sleepiness, worsening symptoms or other signs that concern you, please seek prompt medical evaluation.

Why Do Children Cough During a Cold?

Coughing is a reflex action. It helps to clear mucus and irritants from your airways.

A cough doesn't always mean you need to give a child a cough suppressant. The cough is often a natural response of the body to a respiratory infection.

The goal of home care is to keep the child comfortable, hydrated and able to rest while watching for signs of a more serious illness.

1. Keep the Child Hydrated

Fluids are one of the most basic supportive measures.

Water, breast milk, formula and age appropriate fluids can prevent dehydration. Warm liquids may also help soothe a sore throat in children old enough to drink them safely.

Signs of dehydration are decreased urination, dry mouth, unusual sleepiness, or poor fluid intake.

2. Use Saline for Nasal Congestion

Saline drops or spray for the nose may help to loosen mucus.

A bulb syringe or nasal suction device can help clear mucus for babies and young children who can’t blow their nose well, especially before feeding or sleep.

The FDA recommends supportive measures such as saline nose drops or sprays and nasal suctioning to help relieve congestion in infants and young children.

3. Honey for Children Over One Year

Honey is one of the better supported traditional approaches for cough relief in children older than 1 year. (reference: https://www.cdc.gov/botulism/prevention)

CDC recommends honey for cough relief in adults and children 1 year and older.

Don’t feed honey to children under 12 months of age because of the risk of infant botulism.

Honey should be kept away from infants, whether it’s organic, natural or local.

4. Humidified Air

Dry air can make irritation of the nose and throat worse.

A clean cool-mist humidifier can help keep airways comfortable. The device must be cleaned properly because dirty humidifiers can transfer microorganisms.

Do not expose children to very hot steam that may cause burns.

5. Rest Matters

Kids usually need extra sleep and quiet time when recovering from infections.

Don’t force a sick child to keep up a normal level of activity. As fever and other symptoms improve, normal activity can gradually return.

What About Children's Cough Syrups?

This is where parents have to be especially careful.

The FDA says over-the-counter cough and cold medicines can cause serious side effects in young children. Combining products with the same active ingredient can also increase the risk for unintentional overdose with multiple-ingredient products .

Always check the age range, ingredients and how much to give.

NEVER give a child an adult cough or cold medicine.

Herbiotics Mgkon Cough Syrup

Herbiotics MGKON Cough Syrup with Ivy leaf extract - Support for coughs and throat. The current product information provides specific dosing for children 1-5 and 6-12 years of age and advises consulting a physician for children under one year of age.

Children’s medicines and supplements must be age appropriate, so parents should follow the product label and ask a paediatrician or pharmacist if unsure.

Mgkon should not be marketed as a cure for the underlying viral infection. Supportive cough products are meant to help control symptoms.

When Is a Child's Cough an Emergency?

Seek medical attention immediately if your child is having difficulty breathing, has blue or grey lips, is excessively sleepy, dehydrated, vomiting continuously, having seizures, or is getting worse quickly.

Medical evaluation is also important in cases of prolonged fever, in very young children, in children with unusually severe symptoms, or if the cough lasts longer than would be expected for recovery.

Parents should pay attention to changes in their child's overall behaviour and breathing, not just the cough.

Natural Does Not Always Mean Safe

Sometimes parents assume that herbs and natural ingredients are automatically safe for children.

Not always so.

Children have different body size, metabolism and sensitivity to drugs than adults. What is good for an adult may not be good for an infant or toddler.

Age, dose, formulation and medical history all matter.

FAQs

1. What is the best natural cough remedy for a kid?

Supportive relief for many uncomplicated colds can be provided with hydration, rest, saline nasal care and honey for children over one year.

2. Can babies have honey for a cough?

No. Honey should not be given to children younger than 12 months because of the risk of infant botulism. CDC: Botulism Prevention

3. Can I give a baby cough medicine?

Use a product that is suitable for the age of the child and follow the professional or label guidance. Many OTC cough and cold medicines are unsafe for young children.

4. Antibiotics are not needed for the common cold.

Usually not. Most common colds are caused by viruses, and antibiotics do not treat viral infections. Antibiotics may be appropriate when a child develops a bacterial infection, depending on the diagnosis.

5. When should I see a doctor?

If you have trouble breathing, dehydration, severe lethargy, persistent or severe fever, worsening symptoms or other concerning changes, seek medical attention.

Conclusion

Most childhood colds get better with time and supportive care. Parents can often help by focusing on: hydration, rest, saline nasal care, humidified air and honey for children over one year of age. Always use age appropriate medicines and supplements according to the direction of a professional or product.

Summary

Safe childhood cold and cough care begins with supportive measures instead of aggressive medication. For age one and older, hydration, saline, rest and honey can help, but extra care is needed with cough and cold medicines for young children.

Reference: 

• https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/should-you-give-kids-medicine-coughs-and-colds
• https://www.fda.gov/drugs/safe-use-over-counter-otc-medicines-children/use-caution-when-giving-cough-and-cold-products-kids
• https://www.cdc.gov/botulism/prevention/
• https://cdc.gov/infant-toddler-nutrition/foods-and-drinks/foods-and-drinks-to-avoid-or-limit.html
• https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chest-lungs/Pages/caring-for-kids-with-colds-and-flu-simple-remedies-that-help.aspx