Chest congestion in kids often happens due to a common cold, influenza, and other viral or bacterial infections. You must consult a pediatrician if your child has a runny or stuffy nose, phlegm-laced cough, and sneezing. Children are more prone to chest congestion since they have low immunity or some respiratory disease. Children cannot spit or blow out phlegm effectively, which leads to chest congestion.

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Here are a few effective home remedies for a cough and chest congestion:

Carom seeds and garlic pouch
Make a cloth pouch with dry roasted carom seeds and garlic. Heat this pouch before rubbing it on your child’s feet. These spices have antiseptic and antibacterial properties, which can prevent the recurrence of cold. Make sure the pouch isn’t overheated, as it might burn your child’s skin. You should test the temperature of the pouch on your skin before rubbing it on your child’s feet.

Prepare a steam room
Just run hot water in your bathroom and make sure all doors and windows are closed. Sit with your child in the bathroom for some time, so that the moisture in the air reduces any breathing trouble. The steam prevents the mucus or phlegm from drying up.

Ample fluids
If your child is under 6 months, breastfeed him/her frequently to prevent the mucus from becoming solid. Breast milk also supplies antibodies which can boost your child’s immunity and help him/her recover quickly. Healthy juices, soups, and lukewarm water can help prevent chest congestion for kids above 6 months.

Milk with turmeric
Turmeric milk with a dash of honey or jaggery is an effective remedy to prevent chest congestion in kids. Turmeric has antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which is a great home remedy for chest congestion.

Fresh basil juice with honey
Basil is known for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties, which can prevent chest congestion in kids. Just crush a few basil leaves to get the juice and add a tablespoon of honey. This juice must be prepared fresh every day.

Ginger and honey
Add some grated ginger to a glass of lukewarm water and add a tablespoon of honey. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can cure your child’s sore throat as well. Honey is an efficient suppressant for a cough and children like the taste of honey.

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Lemon and hot water
Lemon is rich in vitamin C, you can just add a slice of lemon to a cup of hot water with some honey and then ask your child to drink it.

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