When we have had URTIs (Upper Respiratory Tract Infections) in our family we have used all sorts of methods depending on what works especially to help the Children sleep.

Sometimes it is actually asthma...and if they wake coughing and coughing at night, up to 6 puffs of their ventolin can work, via the spacer.

Sometimes it is a viral infection...and the ventolin won't work. Then we can use some cough mixtures (sometimes with a bit of alcohol in them) to assist soothing their sore throats - and some pamol (tylenol) can also help.

When all else fails, we use the Euky Bear - or Air Humidifier - with some Eucalyptus in it, bubbling next to the bed.

The children always seem to sleep better with two pillows when they have upper respiratory or post nasal drip happening...eases their breathing and reduces the drainage of the post nasal sinus.

Another important step is to teach them to cough as safely as possible - either into a large soft cloth (we use muslin gauze squares that are soft on the nose rather than cotton hankerchiefs) or into their elbow - so that their hands don't spread disease.

Observe the child closely if the coughing is sudden in onset - if it sounds "Croupy" - that is like a dog's bark - there are two solutions that you can use in an emergency:

1 Take them into the shower-room, and turn the water onto hot - throw some eucalyptus into the shower bowl or on the wall of the shower and let the steam do its work. (The same effect can be mimicked by putting a bowl of steaming water under the child's face and a towel over their head to breath in the fumes - but this must be done with the utmost care - as the risk is burning the child if they panick or move suddenly.)

2 The second is to wrap the child warmly (they must not get chilled) and take them into the cold night air - letting the cold air reduce the inflammation of their upper airway.

Whichever works once, is the first option to use next time. If croup tends to be a problem, then you might think of investing in a Euky Bear - or Air Humidifier for the occasional bout of Croup until the child passes the age that it is common. Severe cases can necessitate having the Euky Bear on in play areas during the day.

Whenever there is a sudden disruption to breathing in any way, and there is a colour change in the child - pale, or blue, you MUST call an ambulance. Disruptions to the airway should always be taken seriously, and if you leave it to "see" if things will improve, it could be too late. Even if you are taking the above steps to see if it works, if it is sudden and acute, call an ambulance...they can always go away if the child recovers, but they can't get there faster than when they were called.

One other thing to be aware of, is that Ear Infections can be mistaken for URTIs due to the pouring of sinuses that cause the child to gag-cough. The pressure of the cough also puts pressure on the eardrum, so it is a vicious circle. Ear infections can be overlooked, thinking the child has a "cold", and can lead to perforated ear-drums. So have their ears checked by a Medical Practitioner if you feel they need to be seen, just to cover all the bases.