A neonatologist at the Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Delhi, Dr. Snigdha Samanta shares effective home remedies to manage the common cold in children
It’s routine for children and adults to catch the common cold during monsoon months. Caused by rhinoviruses, the common cold spreads easily, especially in closed environments such as homes, schools, and public transport. Although it’s a mild illness for most, it can be surprisingly disruptive, causing children to miss class, lose sleep, and become cranky and irritable.
“The symptoms of a common cold are a runny or blocked nose, sore throat, dry cough, sneezing, and sometimes a mild fever or body ache. Parents rush to administer over-the-counter cough syrups or antibiotics far too early. Most cases improve within seven to ten days without any need for antibiotics or heavy medication. Colds are caused by viruses —antibiotics are not of much help, and their unnecessary use can do harm by making children resistant to antibiotics,” says Dr. Snigdha Samanta, neonatologist at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Delhi.
In an interview with PW, Dr. Samata shares some effective home remedies to manage the common cold in children:
Rest and hydration. Ensure your child slows down — no extra homework or screen time —and rests adequately during recovery. Also encourage her to sip warm fluids through the day.
Soothe the throat. Try homemade tulsi-ginger tea with honey, or warm lemon water with a pinch of turmeric. It will soothe the throat.
Nutrition. Provide light but nourishing meals such as warm soups, dal rice, khichdi with a bit of ghee, and plenty of fruits. A warm bowl of haldi milk at night is also helpful.
Saline nasal spray and steam. It’s safe for children to use a saline nasal spray to clear out mucus. Steam inhalation is also useful but be careful as children’s skin is sensitive. Use a bowl and towel, and keep it short and gentle. Adult supervision is mandatory.
Paracetamol. If there’s a fever, use paracetamol for minimal symptomatic relief. Avoid multi-ingredient cough syrups and always check labels carefully if administering over-the-counter products. For children under six, avoid cold medicines unless prescribed and advised by the Indian Academy of Paediatrics.
Common colds are part and parcel of body building immunity and resistance. It’s common for young children to get six-eight colds a year. What matters is supporting their recovery and preventing complications.
If symptoms worsen or persist, it’s important to consult a doctor. Seek medical attention if a child has a high fever for more than three days, is very drowsy, refuses fluids, has difficulty breathing, or develops ear pain. Likewise, a cough that lasts more than two-three weeks should be evaluated medically to rule out other causes.
When it comes to prevention, encourage hand hygiene, proper coughing etiquette, and avoid sending sick children to school. A cold is nature’s gentle reminder to pause, rest, and care. With a little patience, some traditional wisdom, and evidence-based treatment, children will quickly recover from the common cold.
