How to reduce coughing in 8 month baby - #31442
My 8 month old child had viral fever 7 days before. Then he had runny nose. Now fever and runny nose is gone but my baby is coughing a lot and sound from nose too. Sometimes after milks also , he vomits milk after coughing a lot but phlegm is not coming out.
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For an 8-month-old baby recovering from viral fever, cough and post-nasal drip are common residual symptoms. In Ayurveda, balancing the kapha dosha can significantly help alleviate your baby’s coughing. Warm, light, and calming methods are ideal, keeping the delicate nature of infants in mind.
First, ensure your baby’s head remains elevated during sleep as much as practical. This can help reduce the accumulation of mucus in the respiratory tract. Gently rub a mixture of warm sesame oil, infused with a small pinch of turmeric, on the baby’s chest, back, and soles of the feet. It can help to provide warmth and reduce kapha congestion.
It’s essential to maintain hydration, consider offering lukewarm water or diluted herbal teas like fennel or ajwain water, in small quantities. This can help to loosen mucus. However, introduce herbal teas only after consulting with a pediatrician to check its appropriateness for your child. Continue to breastfeed or formula feed, as it provides necessary nutrition and hydration.
Another useful strategy can be steam inhalation, executed cautiously. Sit with your baby in a closed bathroom while letting a hot shower run in the background, creating a steam-filled space. This gentle exposure may help thin nasal mucus and alleviate congestion without directly exposing the baby to steam, which could be risky.
Ensure the home environment is free from irritants and allergens, such as dust, smoke, or strong perfumes which can trigger cough. Keep rooms from getting too cold as well, since warmth is beneficial for minimizing cough and kapha accumulation.
Bear in mind, if the cough persists or worsens, or if your child experiences difficulty breathing, it’s crucial to consult a pediatrician immediately to ascertain that there’s no risk of complications like bronchitis or pneumonia. The safety and well-being of your child in such potentially critical stages are of utmost importance. Always coordinate with a healthcare provider when introducing any new methods or remedies for your child.
For an 8-month-old who has persistent cough and nasal congestion post-viral fever, there are a few Ayurvedic measures you can consider. First, it’s important to ensure your baby stays hydrated. Breastfeeding or formula feeding should continue as usual, as fluids will help thin mucus and make it less irritating. Introduce a small amount of warm water to sip, as it may ease throat irritation from coughing.
Several gentle remedies can help alleviate the cough and clear the nasal passages. Start with ajwain (carom seeds) inhalation: take a small piece of muslin cloth, place a tablespoon of dry roasted ajwain in it, and tie it into a pouch. Gently place it near the baby’s pillow, so they can inhale the aroma. This can help relieve nasal congestion and soothe the cough naturally.
Applying a lukewarm paste made of a little dash of mustard oil and a pinch of turmeric can also prove beneficial. Gently massage it onto the baby’s chest and back carefully, avoiding the spine area. This method may aid in relieving cough and congestion.
Avoid giving cold foods and drinks to your child, as they might aggravate the vata and kapha doshas, leading to more respiratory issues. Opt for foods that are light and easy to digest, prioritizing warm, cooked meals like pureed vegetables if the baby is eating solids.
In case teh cough persists or worsens, or if you notice any difficulty with breathing or a high fever returning, it is crucial to consult with a pediatrician immediately. These could indicate a more serious condition such as a secondary infection that requires medical intervention. Always prioritize medical advice for infants, as their developing systems need careful attention and support.

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