Congestion in children might be an offspring of genetic factors, presence of allergy among family members and weather change. Allergy is common and the allergen or the causative substance has to be identified and terminated. Dander of dogs or cats, cockroaches, food intolerance (wheat, peanuts, soybean, fish, milk and egg white), house mites and outdoor mites are the culprits. Identify the cause with respect to your child and remove the same. In case of food intolerance, elimination diet is effective. Removal of each foodstuff in an individual manner helps in identifying the exact culprit. Catching a cold or infection in a daycare centre is quite common. Take care, if you are leaving your child in a daycare. Visit to an ENT specialist is recommended in case of persistent cold. Increased coughing or difficulty in breathing is typical of asthma. Placing a warm towel on the chest is an effective remedy. Placing rubs containing eucalyptus oil, menthol or camphor, near the nostrils of the infant also helps.
answered by Dr C