Phlemmy Cough

Warm liquids really helps as does steamy baths. I always take a glass of warm water and put 1 tbsp of applecider vinegar in it and 1 tbsp of honey... this helps tremendously!

I give my kids a homeopathic cough syrup called Chileren's Chestal Honey by BOIRON. It doesn't give instant relief, because it's not like regular cough medicine. But, after a couple days their cough is mostly gone. You give it every 2 hours. If there is way too much mucus, then you should ask your doctor first to rule out other things. But, it's totally safe and effective for kids over 2 years. I bought it at Marlene's, but I believe Fred Meyer has it as well.

I would get advice from a naturopath before giving this to a child that young, but NAC (n-acetyl cysteine) is effective at breaking up phlegm so it can be coughed up more easily. It also boosts the immune system, is an excellent anti-oxidant, and is generally good for us.

Steam can be helpful, too. If she will be careful with hot liquids, cups of hot, steamy water spiked with lemon juice or green tea and honey might assist (sick kids often love to be comforted with "special" remedies). Encourage her to keep her face over the cup to inhale the steam, or even drape a towel or sheer scarf over her to keep the steam concentrated.

Your younger child may not get the cough if breastfeeding. You are still sharing your resistance to bugs you've encountered.

Hi S. - A wet productive cough is MUCH more preferable to a dry, hacking one! The previous suggestions about the homeopathic syrup, honey, and steam/vaporizors are just what I would have suggested also. Hopefully your little one will be feeling better soon!
js

How about trying a cool mist vaporizer at night.. Along with the vicks for kids strip or rub.
Lenc

Hi S.,
I recently took my 5 year old to the dr for the same thing and she suggested giving him honey. Either from a teaspoon or in warm water mixed with a little lemon juice. It seemed to have helped and eventually the cough went away. :)

Cut back on milk, yougurt and ice cream. They tend to complete a phlemy cough. Keep a vaporizer going. Clear juices and plenty of water. As much as you dislike meds, it maybe the only way to clear the problem. If the phlem in yellow or green in color, you need to see a doctor, color is an indicator of infection. You don't need to catch her bug and your infant certainly doesn't need it. See her doctor soon.

Children's Expec (by Naturade?) I get it at Fred Meyers in the Natural Foods section. Its homeopathic and seems to work really well.
You may consult with a naturopath and see what homeopathic remedies they would suggest. This is how I mostly treat my kids because I don't like giving them medicine either and it works with their bodies immune system.
If you are nursing your baby that's good protection, you may also try taking vitamin C and echinacea yourself (and giving supplements to your 4 year old to help her/him combat the cold).
Good luck!