B.L.
Our pediatrician recently told us about the remedy of putting Vicks liberally on the feet then putting on socks. Works like a charm for coughs! Better than cough medicine. We do it at night for us or the kids if we have a cold.
For our kids we also take them in the bathroom before bedtime, turn the shower on hot and close the door. Then we sing and play games while the room fills with steam. Usually spend about 15-20 minutes in there (can hardly stand it longer). This does a lot to relax the lungs and decongest them.
We tried using vaporizers but we have vaulted ceilings in the bedrooms and the rooms never seem to fill with moisture.