Nose drops for the treatment of colds
If the nasal mucous membranes are swollen and block the airway, this can be particularly uncomfortable for babies, as up to the 6th month they breathe exclusively through the nose. In order to reduce the swelling of the mucous membranes and facilitate the drainage of secretions, nasal drops (or nasal sprays) containing the active ingredient xylometazoline can be given. However, this must always be clarified in advance with the doctor treating the patient.
The active ingredient content should not exceed 0.25mg or 0.5mg/ml, depending on the month of life. This corresponds to a solution of 0.025% or 0.05%. Treatment with 0.9% sodium chloride solution can also provide relief.
In principle, nose drops should not be given for longer than 7 days (unless otherwise prescribed by the doctor) to prevent the mucous membranes from drying out. Sambucus nigra (black elderberry), Euphrasia (eyebright), Nux vomica (crow’s eye) can be given. If the secretion is yellowish/yellowish, hepar sulfuris (calcium sulfur liver) and potassium bichromicum should provide relief.
In the case of additional cold symptoms, Aconitum napellus (blue wolfsbane) can be administered. The dosage depends on the ingredients and the month of life of the baby. Always consult the doctor in charge of your baby before administering Aconitum napellus!
Home remedies
Household remedies, under the category Medicine/NaturopathicPhytopharmaceuticals, teas, inhalates and baths are understood to be of plant origin. In principle it applies to these (also) in super and drugstore acquired contents materials that the administered quantity must be adapted to the child organism. Data refer to empirical values and are usually neither scientific nor proven by studies.
As a general, non-evidence-based rule, children between the ages of 1-4 years can receive one-fifth to one-half of the adult dose. In the case of acute rhinitis, therefore, only small children from the age of 12 months should be treated with household remedies. In acute cases of a cold, drinking primrose flower tea and primrose root tea can liquefy the nasal secretion more quickly and make it flow more easily.Inhaling essential oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus and mint can disinfect the mucous membranes and have antimicrobial effects.
