Respiratory Recommendations

Tips for treating respiratory issues

‘Tis the Season!

It’s time (and time again) to revisit some recommendations for handling your child’s respiratory issues (yours too!) RSV, Human metapneumovirus, influenza, and other crud germs are making the rounds. I’m in touch with pediatricians from around the nation and we are noticing that while the severity of these illnesses is not terribly out of the ordinary, this season seems strange in that the coughs and respiratory symptoms are lasting a long time! Please contact me if you are concerned about the respiratory status of your child and I'll provide more specific anticipatory guidance.

Stay hydrated!

Our bodies naturally go into low appetite mode when we’re sick because this can help stimulate the garbage take-out/recycling mode of our metabolism. If your kid doesn’t want to eat, think about how you feel when you’re ill. Hydration is more important than eating. Water, coconut water, and chicken broth with veggies (the veggies add vitamins even if you don’t eat them). If hungry, have on hand healthy options and avoid sugar, juices, dairy products, and refined flour and grains. (Uh-oh! There goes all the comfort foods!)

Tips:

• Suction that nose! Use saline with a bulb syringe or Nose Frida.

• Breastmilk is good for everything! Chock full of Immunoglobulin A, squirt some in your child’s nose (and eyes!)

• I’m a big fan of Xlear nasal spray with xylitol and grapefruit seed extract. You can help dilute the viral/bacterial load with the spray or drops in the nose 3x/day.

           - There is a study noting that xylitol helps prevent ear infections!

           - Used only on as needed basis in children under 3 years of age

• Also good are diluted povidone-iodine nasal sprays you can buy over the counter or make yourself

• Silver nasal or throat sprays is a good germ-killing option – I carry some in my office so feel free to pick some up

• Cool mist humidifier (clean and mold free!)

• Keep fresh air circulating and take walks outside when weather permits

• Elevating the head of the crib can help

• Consider a chest rub

• Nebulizing saline solution 3-4 times per day can help. Use 0.9% or 3% for ages under 3, and 3-7% for ages over 3. Especially for those with deep, wet, congested cough.

            If you aren’t sure, you can get a trial neb in my office!

• For those who can, swish, gargle, and spit hydrogen peroxide-based mouthwash 3-4 times per day. Make your own by mixing ½ tsp salt + ½ tsp hydrogen peroxide in 2 oz warm water.

  
  

Vitamins and other supplements

• Immune support supplements include Vit C, D3, Zinc, Elderberry, NAC, Quercetin, Echinacea

• Dye- and sugar-free brands are preferred

• Suggested brands (not exhaustive): Boiron, Zarbee’s, Genexa, Earthly, etc.

  
  

IN MY OFFICE I carry Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, Quercetin, Colloidal Silver throat AND nasal spray, Transfer Factor, and other supplements and herbal tinctures for your convenience to pick up when you need it!