5 simple ways to treat coughs and colds in children.

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Tien Dung (Department of Pediatrics, Bach Mai Hospital), coughing is the most common symptom in acute respiratory infections.

Most children with upper respiratory infections caused by viruses, such as coughs and colds, do not need medication and will resolve on their own after a few days or 1-2 weeks. Supportive treatment is necessary to help children recover quickly.

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These measures include:

1. If the child is still breastfeeding, continue breastfeeding and ensure the child receives adequate nutrition.

2. Make sure your child drinks enough water.

3. Keep the child warm, but do not let them get too hot.

4. Instill 0.9% sodium chloride solution into the nose, then clean the nose with a cotton swab or tissue wrapped around a cotton ball. Alternatively, you can use some products made from deep sea water to spray into the nose to clean it for children.

For older children, teach them how to blow their noses and wipe them clean.

5. Parents should take their child to the doctor if they notice any of the signs of pneumonia, such as: the child having more difficulty breathing, breathing faster, feeding less, being unable to drink, or the child appearing more ill.

In some necessary cases, safe traditional Chinese medicine cough remedies or herbal cough medicines such as steamed rose petals with sugar, steamed lemon or kumquat with honey, chives, or other herbal cough medicines can be used. Some Western cough medicines can also be used, but the appropriate choice should be made for each specific case according to the doctor's instructions and prescription.

According to VOV