0505050387
0505050387
Published on: 14th December 2022
Medically reviewed by: Medical Director at First Response Healthcare
Children tend to fall ill very often due to cough and cold because there are numerous kinds of cold viruses, and young children do not have the immunity to fight them. Having a pediatrician on call can be quite fruitful. Generally, a cold lasts about 5-7 days, but in infants, this can take up to 2 weeks. While it’s natural for parents to worry, especially when their child is irritable and uncomfortable, here are some simple but important suggestions and home remedies for cold in infants:
- Hydration: Give plenty of fluids to your child in the form of water, soups, broth, etc.
- Saline Nose Drops: Use saline nose drops to help loosen dried snot and relieve a stuffy nose, aiding in easier breathing and better sleep.
- Hand Hygiene: Ensure that your child and all family members wash their hands regularly to stop the cold from spreading within the household.
- Consult a Pediatrician: If your child has a high temperature, consult a pediatrician and consider giving your child paracetamol or ibuprofen.
- Avoid Over-the-Counter Remedies: Do not give over-the-counter cough and cold remedies like decongestants to children under the age of 6 without consulting a doctor or pediatrician.
Home remedies for ear infections in infants also exist and can provide additional relief. It’s essential to monitor your child’s symptoms and seek professional advice when needed.
Cough In Infants
Children tend to cough when they have a cold because of the mucus at the back of their throats. If your child has a cough but is eating, drinking, and breathing normally without any wheezing, there’s generally not much to worry about. However, to help clear phlegm from the chest or mucus from the back of the throat, you can try the following home remedies:
- Warm Water with Lemon and Honey: If your child is over 1 year old, mix half a lemon into a mug of hot water and add 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey. Ensure that your child drinks this while it’s still warm.
- Warm Fluids: Offer warm fluids such as warm milk, soups, and broths to help loosen mucus and soothe a sore throat.
- Humidifier: Consider using a cool-mist humidifier in your child’s room to ease breathing, especially during sleep.
- Rest: Ensure your child gets plenty of sleep and rest, as this can be one of the most effective remedies for a cough.
You should take your child to a pediatrician or arrange for a pediatrician on call for a home visit if:
- The cough lasts longer than 3 weeks.
- Your child has a high fever and feels hot or shivery.
- Your child is having difficulty breathing.
Ear Infections in Infants
Ear infections are quite common among babies and children, often following a cold or fever. Symptoms may include high temperature, irritability, crying, difficulty eating, restlessness at night, and a cough. Here are some home remedies you can try:
- Pain Relief: If your child has an earache, you can give paracetamol or ibuprofen. Do not administer both medications simultaneously without consulting a pediatrician.
- Avoid Unapproved Treatments: Do not put any oil, ear drops, or cotton buds into your child’s ear without consulting a doctor first.
- Stay Hydrated: Ensure your child stays hydrated. Frequent consumption of liquids can help open the eustachian tube, draining trapped fluid.
- Warm Compress: To alleviate pain, place a warm, moist compress over your child’s ear for about 10 to 15 minutes.
The ear infection typically clears up within 3 days. However, if your child continues to feel unwell or uncomfortable after trying these remedies, or if you notice any ear discharge, you should consult a pediatrician.
Pediatrician At Home In Dubai | First Response Healthcare
If you need to consult a pediatrician regarding your child’s cough, cold, or ear infection, you can do it through First Response Healthcare (FRH) from the comfort of your home. FRH is one of the leading home healthcare companies in Dubai that offers the services of a Pediatrician On Call 24*7 – 365 days a year. By calling a doctor at home, instead of going to the hospital or clinic for a check-up, you can avoid the risk of your child catching infections. Our pediatricians and team of medical professionals can offer their services even on weekends and public holidays and they can come to your home, hotel, or office location.
FRH’s team of pediatricians, doctors, and nurses are DHA licensed, highly qualified, and internationally trained. FRH has also received the Gold Seal of Approval from Joint Commission International Standards for Home Healthcare. Our pediatric doctors can help with diagnosis and treatment for a range of medical conditions and difficulties including colds, coughs, and ear infections. Along with this, our team of pediatricians can also offer services of a routine health checkup for your child. We can also come to your home to collect samples of your child’s blood, urine or stools for diagnostic tests. Once you book an appointment with us, we will make sure to reach you within 30 minutes. We can come to you anywhere within the Emirate of Dubai.
To book an appointment with a pediatrician at home, all you need to do is call 0505050387 or 800DIALDOC. You can also book an appointment online by visiting our website
