It is normal for children at different stages of growth to catch a cold. A cold is an infectious illness that is often accompanied by an annoying cough, especially at night. In general, colds and their associated symptoms—particularly coughing—are common health issues that may affect a child several times a year.
Mothers often look for simple home remedies to relieve cold symptoms, including cough, in order to reduce complications, speed up recovery, and shorten the time a child spends in bed or away from school. In an exclusive interview with Nadormagazine, pediatric consultant Dr. Mohammad Abudawood explained how to deal with coughs and colds in children through practical advice and home-based nutritional and herbal remedies, as outlined below.
Causes of Colds in Children
Children develop colds and related symptoms, including cough, as a result of infection with cold viruses. These infections are transmitted either directly or indirectly through close contact with infected individuals. There are many types of cold viruses that affect humans in general.
The virus spreads from an infected person to a healthy one through face-to-face interaction or through droplets released during sneezing, saliva, or mucus. The virus can enter a child’s body in several ways, such as touching contaminated surfaces and objects—like kitchen tools, door handles, or mobile phones—or through shared personal hygiene items such as towels. This allows the virus to enter the respiratory system through the mouth, eyes, or nose. This mode of transmission is known as indirect infection.
Home Tips to Relieve Cold Symptoms in Children
Rest and Warmth:
Make sure your child gets enough rest and avoids going to school while sick. It is preferable for them to stay in bed and be kept warm with blankets, without overheating. Allow light movement and play within the room, but avoid excessive activity, especially if coughing, as this may worsen symptoms. A dry cough, particularly at night, is a common symptom of colds.Nasal Rinse:
For infants and young children, medical nasal saline washes can help relieve congestion, reduce mucus buildup, and ease coughing. Saline solutions or seawater nasal sprays (available in pharmacies) may be used, but not excessively, to avoid drying out the nasal membranes.Saltwater Gargle:
Prepare a warm saltwater solution by dissolving a small amount of table salt in half a cup of warm water. Gargling for a few minutes helps relieve throat inflammation and reduce coughing, especially at night. Salt acts as a natural disinfectant that can ease viral symptoms and eliminate some harmful bacteria, providing comfort to the child.Managing Fever:
Use fever-reducing medication only when necessary and according to the doctor’s instructions. Cold compresses may be applied to the neck, underarms, and between the thighs. A warm evening bath can also help calm nighttime coughing by opening the airways. Ensure the child is kept away from cold drafts, dressed appropriately afterward, and encouraged to rest in bed.Ivy Leaf Remedies:
Ivy leaves can be given as an herbal tea or as a sweetened medicinal extract flavored with fruits like berries or mango. Ivy extract is known to help treat bronchitis, whooping cough, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and to improve lung and respiratory function in children with chronic asthma.Chicken Soup:
Serve warm chicken soup made with fresh chicken pieces during the day. It acts as a natural remedy by soothing the throat, reducing mucus buildup, and strengthening the immune system due to its valuable nutrients.Hydration and Herbal Drinks:
Keep your child well hydrated with warm water and herbal teas, especially ginger tea sweetened with honey. If the child is over two years old, gently massage the chest with warm peppermint oil. Steam inhalation with peppermint oil—by adding a few drops to hot water and allowing the child to inhale the steam from a safe distance—can improve airflow in the nasal and respiratory passages and effectively relieve coughing, especially at night.
When Should Your Child Receive the Flu Vaccine?
The flu vaccine contains a weakened live virus and is given at the beginning of winter, either into the muscle or under the skin, to both children and adults. It helps the body recognize and fight the virus, reducing the likelihood of infection. If a child does get the flu after vaccination, symptoms are usually mild and resolve quickly. The vaccine is given from the age of six months.
It is important for children to receive the flu vaccine to reduce repeated infections that can cause symptoms such as colds and coughing. The vaccine is especially important for children who previously developed pneumonia following influenza, as this indicates a risk of serious complications.
Ensure your child receives the flu vaccine if they have asthma, kidney problems, congenital heart conditions, or weakened immunity—whether due to nutrition, lifestyle, or inherited or congenital immune deficiencies.
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