Humidity refers to the amount of atmospheric water vapor, and humidifiers are devices that increase it. Indoor humidity levels should ideally remain between 30 and 50 percent, according to MayoClinic.com. Levels can be monitored with a device called a hygrometer, and many humidifiers have them built in.

Many people experience eye symptoms toward the end of or just after a head cold. This condition is aptly termed a "cold in the eye" because it typically represents spread of the virus responsible for the cold spreading to the eye.

Home humidifiers add moisture to the air and help counteract the effects of dry winter heat. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, humidifiers can ease dry sinuses, itchy eyes or skin and even protect your furniture and finishes from damage.

Fifth disease has been called slapped cheek disease because of the unmistakable redness on the face of children. If your child has a cough and pink cheeks, this virus is likely the culprit causing your child’s mild discomfort.

Toddlers can get colds and infections that cause coughing and congestion. A wet, or mucus-filled, cough can produce phlegm in toddlers. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that there is no evidence that milk will worsen mucus in toddlers or anyone else.

Saline nasal spray is used to moisturize nasal passages and/or remove mucus blockage. Saline nasal sprays can also help loosen mucus in an infant or child who is too young to blow his nose. This non-medicated solution can be used in a few simple steps.

A newborn can catch a cold shortly after birth when exposed to any one of the 200 viruses that are known to cause the common cold. DrGreene.com suggests that most kids have 8 to 10 colds by the time their second birthday arrives.

Chest congestion in infants is nearly always caused by a viral or bacterial infection, with the cold virus being the most common cause. Chest congestion can interfere with breathing, sleeping and eating, and over-the-counter medications are not suitable for use in infants.

A number of steroid nasal sprays are available by prescription, including fluticasone propionate, beclomethasone dipropionate monohydrate, mometasone furoate monohydrate, triamcinolone acetonide, flunisolide, budesonide and fluticasone furoate.

Croup, also called acute laryngotracheobronchitis, is a common upper airway infection in children. Croup can vary in severity from a mild cough to a severe obstruction of the airway.

A well-maintained humidifier can ease the symptoms of asthma, allergies and the common cold. Extra humidity can also alleviate the effects of dry indoor air, such as dry nose, lips, skin and the throat, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) website.

Nursing mothers get sick just like anyone else. When a viral or bacterial infection brings on a severe sore throat, it’s natural to be concerned about the possibility of medications passing into the breast milk and potentially harming the baby.