Children are among the population groups who are at risk for diseases among which is the respiratory diseases. Sometimes, we adults, feel bad when our kids are ill to the point that we would wish that we were infirmed in their place. To help them contracting such diseases, the following may be practiced:

1. Strengthen their immune system: through

• vitamins - normally, vitamin C is recommended. But a balance of vitamin intake is better.
• proper diet - this has something to do with ingesting food that can provide the daily food, vitamin and mineral requirements. Some types of food, particularly micronutrients, have to be complete before they do their work in the body.
• exercise - this promotes proper blood circulation. Blood is the mean by which the body transports the nutrients and oxygen to the different cells and tissues. Not only that, blood is also responsible for transporting the toxins from the cells to be flushed out.
• rest - It promotes cellular repair and maintenance. When the cells are in tip top condition, it is better able to do its functions.

2. Avoid going to crowded or polluted places. You never know who among those you deal with have sicknesses that are transferrable through the air. Pollution is composed of irritants. The more toxins that are breathed in, the more load the lungs have.

3. Do breathing exercises or activities that promote deep breathing - regular deep breathing exercises the lungs. To do this, inhale deeply from the nose, hold breath for 3 seconds and release the air through the mouth thru pursed lips.

Other forms of deep breathing exercises or activities include swimming, playing the trumpet or flute, or even playing with bubbles (just be careful the child does not ingest the soap solution).

4. Do coughing exercises - this clears the airways of foreign debris. to do this, breathe deeply thru the nose. Hold your breath for 1 to 2 seconds then cough out using the muscles of the diaphragm.

5. Wear masks - for those who are really prone to respiratory ailments, a mask would be a good protection. Use the 3M kind.

6. Steam inhalation would also help. Just heat some water, and add salt. Then allow the child to inhale the steam inside a make-shift tent made from a blanket. Take the necessary precautions to prevent the child from contracting a burn.

So there. I hope that helps.