Coughing and colds are the most common types of diseases found in children to adults. Especially children, especially infants under five years old, are very vulnerable to various diseases. The immune system is still in the developmental stage and the little one's body still has to make adjustments or adaptations to the environment. For this reason, mothers must carefully pay attention to the symptoms they experience, make prevention and prepare natural medicines at home
The symptoms of coughing and runny nose in babies make them uncomfortable and cause the baby to cry continuously. Fever, cough, no appetite, the body becomes weak, and clear fluid comes out of the nose and difficulty breathing. If it is not treated properly right away, coughing and colds can cause other health risks, such as a baby's weight that is difficult to rise.
According to research, coughs and colds in infants can occur up to 10 times a year. This disease cannot be cured quickly, in normal cases, it takes around 7-10 days to heal. Drugs that are safe for consumption of babies with cold cough sufferers are not the same as adult drugs. Cough and cold medicines in infants must be in accordance with the immune system and digestion, as well as other important organ systems that are still in the stage of growth and development.
1. Breast Milk
Breast milk is a staple food and drinks, especially for babies under the age of 6 months. Actually, babies do not need chemical drugs, because breast milk already contains antibodies. These antibodies are able to fight microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria that attack the immunity of the child. By giving milk, the intake of fluids in the baby's body will continue to be maintained, provide balance and prevent dehydration.
2. Saline Solution (Salt solution)
Saline solution is useful for removing mucus that has dried in the baby's nose. You do this by dripping the saline solution into the baby's nasal cavity with the help of a dropper. Be careful when you do it, ma'am. Usually the baby will reflexively move his head, keeping the baby's head so the saline solution does not come out again. Re-suck the saline solution that has melted the dry mucus with the help of the pipette. You can get a copy of the saline at the nearest pharmacy. Ask your doctor for instructions on how and how to use it.
3. Honey
Honey can help babies sleep well when a cold cough strikes. The content of anti-bacterial and anti-oxidants will increase body immunity and endurance. In addition, honey can also relieve coughing, sore throat, killing bacteria that cause respiratory infections. But it must be remembered, honey should only be given to babies aged 1 year and above .. The sweet taste of honey is very preferred, so it will not be difficult to give it. Choose natural honey that has a dark color, because it contains high anti-oxidants.
4. Garlic
Garlic can be used as a natural decongestant. Decongestants are drugs that can help reduce inflammation and excess mucus production. The method is very easy, slice a few garlic cloves, place it on a plate and bring it around the baby's bed. The sharp aroma of garlic may not be the best aroma, but the sulfur content in garlic will pull out the mucus from the nasal cavity and will relieve nasal congestion. Remember, ma'am, keep this plate of garlic slices out of your baby's reach.
5. Lime
For babies who are 7 months old or older, you can make cough medicine from lime juice. Vitamin C in lime will increase the production of white blood cells and the immune system to fight viruses and germs that cause colds in infants. Before giving it to the baby, steam it for a while, about 10 minutes. Mix it with honey to reduce sour taste and help relieve throat.
6. Lemon
The content of high doses of vitamin C in lemons will help boost the immune system and reduce the symptoms of cough colds in infants. Anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory will reduce the symptoms of strep throat, cough and reduce mucus production in the nose. How to use it the same as lime, which is by caa steaming or mixing it with boiling water. Add honey if the baby is 1 year old and above.
In addition to alternative medicines to treat colds in infants as mentioned above, you should do the following:
Use a humidifier
Humidifier is a tool to increase the air humidifier. Humid air helps to relieve nasal cavities and provide comfort breathing. Humidifiers can be made by making boiling water in a room or bathroom with a tightly closed door. Steam boiling water will soon fill the room, let the baby breathe the air mixed with boiling water steam earlier. This system as used in the sauna room or baby spa.
Basically, the treatment of colds in infants is to maintain the quality and quantity of baby's sleep patterns. Also pay attention to the consumption of nutrients so that the balance and immunity of the body are maintained. You also have to take care of your health, yes, so you can take better care of your baby.
