My little boy started preschool about 3 weeks ago. He is loving it but this past weekend he had a slight fever and then developed a cough. He is able to function okay but it does wake him up at night. I really do not want to give him antibiotics. Any thoughts?

A lot about kids, when going back to school from a holiday, may develop a persistent cough. Luckily, my kids have  – so far  – avoided it but with past experience I know how hard it is for both the child and the parent. Below are a few of my suggestions:

Botanical Medicines

I adore Wise Woman Herbal’s cough elixir and their children’s glycerite formulas ( Children's Glycerite and Elderberry). Most kids have no problem taking either.

dosage: With whichever you chose: 1 full dropperful in approximately 1/8th a cup of warm, 4 times a day for 3 days and then 2 times a day for 4 days.

Hydrotherapy/Magic Socks Treatment

Magic socks will most definitely help your son sleep through the night.

treatment: These treatments are best when repeated for 3 consecutive nights.

Here is video the girls did to show how to set your son up… YouTube.

Indications:

Sore throats or any inflammations or infections of the throat, neck pain, ear infections, headaches, nasal congestion, upper respiratory infections, coughs, bronchitis, sinus infection, fever, or teething.

Supplies:

1 pair of cotton socks

1 pair of wool socks

Directions:

• Take the pair of cotton socks and completely soak in cold water. Be sure to wring the socks out so that they are not dripping.
• Warm feet up. It is nice to have a warm bath first and then do the wet sock treatment.
• Dry feet off.
• Put cold wet socks on and then the wool socks.
• Keep socks on overnight or during nap times. The socks should be dry by the morning.

Effects of the treatment:

This treatment acts to reflexively increase the circulation and decrease the congestion in the upper respiratory passages, head, and throat. It has a sedating action and many people will report sleeping better during treatment. This treatment is also effective for pain relief and increases the healing process during acute infections.

Vitamin C

Alacer vitamin c packs are great. Kids can do it themselves and really enjoy the fizzing of the drink and the flavor.

dosage: 1/2 a pack, 2 times a day

Baked Pears

I’m not quite sure why, but Chinese doctors suggest baked pears  – perhaps it is because their shape is similar to the lung – as part of a treatment for any type of lung condition. I suggest adding a little cinnamon to the pears for a little more flavor and nutrients.

You can purchase any of the supplements through Emerson Ecologics on my site ( click here) or your local health food store will have similar products.

It is always best to visit your child's pediatrician to inform them of your concerns and to find the best treatments.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Be well,

Dr. Heather Manley, who in 2001 received her medical degree from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon, is a practicing physician whose primary interest is preventative healthcare for families. She is the author of Human Body Detectives, her children’s educational series of story-telling books, ebooks, and iphone/ipad apps. She also promotes wellness and naturopathic healthcare on her website drheathernd.com. She lives on the Big Island of Hawaii with her husband and two daughters, and is currently at work on the next Human Body Detectives adventure.

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