Chest congestion is a condition that can be discomfiting and painful when the lungs are filled with surplus mucous and other fluids. Chest congestion in toddlers is often the result of a common cold and cough. Cough is the natural method of the body trying to get rid of the phlegm. Chest congestion more often affects children than adults. What are the causes and symptoms of chest congestion? Chest congestion can lead to difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath. Some people feel tightness in their chest as well as a heavy feeling. Chest congestion in some can also indicate a heart ailment or a similar problem. The causes for chest congestion could be exposure to pollutants, common cold, asthma, pneumonia, and emphysema. Chest congestion in children could be due to presence of strong chemicals that are used in the house, common cold, allergies, and dust. Chest congestion symptoms are cold and cough with excess phlegm, fever, and shortness of breath. Some toddlers can get an ear infection and their eyes may get watery.
What are the chest congestion home remedies? Chest congestion in children can make children cranky and restless, and getting them to take medication can be a difficult task. There are many chest congestion home remedies that provide chest congestion relief, and a chest congestion relief expectorant can be made from simple ingredients found at home. Chest congestion relief in toddlers can be achieved by giving them hot water mixed with honey; this can be sipped often during the day. This will help release the mucous and bring relief. Honey and lemon are very good for chest congestion relief. You can mix half lemon juice and honey in hot water and allow your toddler to sip it in small quantities for relief. Remember that honey should not be given to babies who are less than one year old.
You could also boil some peppercorns, cumin seeds, few garlic cloves, and raisins in water; strain and drink this liquid to get rid of chest congestion. Raisins and the boiled garlic cloves can be eaten to clear the phlegm from the system. In case chest congestion and too much phlegm has caused constipation in the toddler, boil one spoon coriander seeds and 50 gm of raisins, strain and use the concoction to clear both phlegm and the bowels. In case the toddler desires something sweeter add honey. Again, remember honey should not be given to toddlers that are less than one year old. Freshly crushed ginger juice can also be mixed with honey to bring chest congestion relief in toddlers. One teaspoon would suffice for the toddlers.
Indian gooseberry is also beneficial for chest congestion relief in children. Wash and clean the gooseberries and soak them in a bottle of brine water; allow it to sit for ten to fifteen days. Then, eat one each day to get rid of chest congestion. This can be taken as preventive cure for common cold and cough as well. For immediate use one can boil the gooseberries, remove the seed, and eat it with honey for chest congestion relief. Bishop's weed leaves are also effective for chest congestion relief. Crush and boil a few leaves, strain, and mix the liquid with honey; drink this to get rid of chest congestion. When you notice the first signs of common cold in the toddler this home remedy can be given to bring relief.
The other home remedies that will bring chest congestion relief in children are to gargle with warm saline water and use a humidifier in the child's room. You can add few drops of eucalyptus oil to clear the chest. Use medicated ear and eye drops in case the toddler has watery eyes and ear ache. If you live in mobile homes check for the chemicals that are used to keep the place clean. Keep the toddler's room well ventilated and do not let stale air circulate in the room, which can heighten chest congestion. Lastly, if the congestion remains for a few days and/or if your child is less than a year-old, it is best to consult a doctor.
answered by G M