Upper respiratory infections like bronchitis and pneumonia often produce a cough, which is the body’s attempt to clear the airways of mucus. Commercial cough expectorants thin mucus secretions and help remove them from the lungs, but they can have unpleasant side effects.

A cool mist humidifier has no heating element installed in the base unit. Instead of dispersing moisture in the form of steam, these devices use a built-in fan to blow air through a damp filter—the water and air mix to form a vapor, which the fan propels into the air.

Dry air can cause any number of problems, from parched nasal membranes, cracked lips and itchy skin to static shock and an uncomfortable night's sleep. These annoyances can increase in winter, when heating your home means moisture becomes even more scarce.

Unlike productive coughs--coughs that can be helpful by bringing mucus up and out of the lungs, dry hacking coughs tend to needlessly irritate your throat and lungs, causing tickling and burning sensations that can make your days difficult and your nights sleepless.

Congestion is a common symptom in children. Sometimes congestion is an acute, or short-term, condition, such as in the case of a cold or the flu. Other times nasal congestion is a chronic problem, such as in the case of allergies.

A cough is usually a good thing; it means your body is trying to get rid of mucus that may be collecting in your lungs. However, a persistent cough may be unwelcome if it keeps you up at night or interferes with your activities.

Flu-like symptoms is a general medical term used to describe a complex—but usually mild—set of symptoms that can develop due to infection, disease or medication use. The development of mild flu-like symptoms can occur suddenly and is most commonly associated with infection caused by the influenza (flu) virus.

Conditions that cause coughing are almost always worse at night. If your 3-year-old has been coughing at night for several weeks, this could indicate bronchitis, sinusitis or asthma. Consult with your doctor to treat your child’s condition and prevent damage to your child’s lungs.

Coughing up phlegm in the morning can occur with a variety of short- and long-term conditions affecting the lungs. People with a productive cough -- meaning one that leads to expulsion of phlegm, or sputum -- often report their cough is worst in the morning.

Learn how to effectively use a humidifier for a cough, understand its benefits and limitations, and discover essential tips for proper maintenance and safe operation.

If your toddler loves to swim or play in the water but has a cold and cough, you may wonder if it's still OK to head for the pool. A cold is one of the most frequent illnesses in children. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, most little ones have had 8 to 10 colds by the time they reach age 2.

Consider taking the homeopathic preparation Oscillococcinum next time you start feeling achy, with fever and chills. An alternative medicine especially made for treating symptoms of flu, Oscillococcinum is made by Boiron, the well-respected, FDA-approved French homeopathic pharmacy.