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Expectorants for babies can help to make the phlegm more liquid, facilitating its elimination, relieving cough with phlegm. This is because coughing up sputum is a reflex of the body to expel phlegm from the respiratory system and, therefore, should not be avoided with medications that inhibit its elimination, but rather that fluidify the phlegm.
Exporant medicines for babies under 2 years old should only be used if recommended by the pediatrician, after evaluating the risks and benefits of their use and identifying the cause of the baby's cough, which can occur due to flu, colds, asthma, bronchitis, allergy or even gastroesophageal reflux, for example.
In addition, some homemade ways to help the baby expectoration are nebulization or nasal wash with saline solution, offering small amounts of water throughout the day or increasing the supply of breast milk or formula, for example..
Expectorant Remedies
Treatment with expectorant drugs for babies under 2 years of age can help to liquefy mucous secretions and also help to clean the bronchi and eliminate mucus.
However, there is no scientific evidence that the use of expectorants in babies under 2 years old brings benefits to relieve cough, as coughing is a natural reflex of the body to try to expel phlegm from the airways.
Furthermore, babies under 2 years of age are at increased risk of side effects from expectorant medications, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gastrointestinal irritation, allergic reactions, or even airway obstruction.
Therefore, its use should only be done with the pediatrician's indication, after evaluating the baby's he alth conditions, symptoms and the risks and benefits that the use of expectorants can bring to the baby.
For children over 2 years old, there are some options for children's expectorants that can be recommended by the pediatrician. See the main children's expectorants for children over 2 years old.
Homemade tips
Some homemade ways to help increase phlegm, clear the nose and relieve baby's cough are:
1. Increase the supply of breast milk or formula
In the case of babies under 6 months of age, who have not yet been introduced to food, increasing the supply of breast milk or formula helps ensure the body is hydrated, which makes it possible to fluidize the phlegm and improve congestion nose that could be causing the cough.
2. Offer small amounts of water
For babies over 6 months, a good way to increase body hydration is to offer small amounts of filtered water or juice throughout the day, such as apple or orange juice, for example.
These drinks should be offered to the baby when the cough is under control, to prevent choking, and should be at room temperature, so as not to cause throat irritation.
3. Wash baby's nose with saline
Washing the baby's nose with 0.9% saline solution helps to remove phlegm from the nose, because when there is a lot of secretion in the baby's nose, this phlegm can cause post nasal drip, which consists of passing through the behind the nose and into the throat, causing irritation and increasing coughing.
To wash the baby's nose with 0.9% saline solution, you can apply 2 or 3 drops of the serum in each nostril, 2 to 3 times a day. See how to wash your nose.
4. Aspirate with a bulb syringe
After applying the drops of saline solution 0.9% in the baby's nose, the secretion can be aspirated with a bulb syringe, which is similar to a small air pump, in the shape of a pear, which can be purchased at the pharmacy.
To use the bulb syringe, squeeze the body (balloon) of the pump and then stick the tip at the beginning of the baby's nostril. Afterwards, the pump is released and the secretions are gently aspirated. It is very important not to squeeze the syringe while it is in the baby's nostril, as it can push the secretions deeper, making them more difficult to eliminate.
After using the bulb syringe, wash it with hot water and soap to prevent the development of fungi and bacteria, as well as let it dry completely before using it again.
5. Perform nebulization with saline
Nebulization with 0.9% saline helps to hydrate the airways, reduce irritation and help relieve coughing.
To nebulize, you must use an electric nebulizer. Another option is to give the baby a warm bath with the bathroom door closed, to produce steam in the environment, helping with hydration. Learn how to nebulize correctly.
6. Humidify the environment
Humidify the environment, placing a basin of hot water in the baby's room, allows the baby to breathe in the water particles, which helps keep the airways hydrated and fluidize the phlegm. It is very important that the basin is out of the baby's reach, especially when he can crawl or walk, to avoid accidents.
Another option is to use a room humidifier. However, care should be taken not to use the humidifier in excess, as excessive humidity can lead to mold in the baby's room, cause allergies and worsen the cough. Check out other simple ways to humidify the environment.
When to go to the doctor
It is important to take the baby to the pediatrician in the following situations:
- Cough in newborn or baby under 6 months;
- Intense cough;
- Dry cough, especially at night;
- Cough after choking;
- Pain or presence of secretion in the ear;
- Constant sneezing;
- Wheezing when breathing;
- Vomiting;
- Decreased appetite;
- Fever above 38ยบ C;
- Weight loss;
- Excessive fatigue.
Furthermore, if the baby shows signs of difficulty breathing such as very rapid breathing, bluish discoloration, or pallor, go to the hospital immediately.
