Easy and Natural Tips for Chronic Chest Congestion Relief

Chronic chest congestion is often associated with a long-standing, nagging cough. Here are a number of at-home remedies you can try to help ease toddler chronic cough symptoms and provide chronic chest relief.

Ease cough with honey

For children older than 1 year, honey has been shown to be an effective cough remedy with recent research showing it is even more effective than over-the-counter cough syrups at bedtime. Give ½ tsp – 1 tsp a few times a day, as needed.

Use the power of steam

The warm mist of a shower can help loosen thick mucus making it easier to cough up. Turn the temperature on hot with the shower curtain open, and sit in the bathroom (not shower) with your child for 5-10 minutes.

Stay hydrated

Ensuring your child is well-hydrated helps to thin mucus and make it easier to cough up. Offer water and warm, clear liquids like broth or pure apple juice. Toddlers should aim to consume two cups of water each day.

Food trigger in chronic chest congestion

Cow dairy may trigger or aggravate toddler chest congestion or cough, and/or may contribute to an underlying cause, such as acid reflux. Use a 7-day diet diary to track symptoms and identify possible triggers. If cow milk seems to be contributing to your toddler’s chronic chest congestion, swap it out for Kabrita Goat Milk Toddler formula* .

Reduce home allergens

Chronic chest congestion may be also associated with environmental triggers. Reduce home allergens in the home by using a HEPA air filter, vacuuming often, and regularly washing bed linens with hypoallergenic detergent.

The treatment of chronic chest congestion depends on the underlying cause. A health professional should evaluate children less than 3 months of age with cough, or older ones where cough lasts longer than one week.

*Not suitable for children with cow milk protein allergy (CMPA)