A treatment for cold in children 2
A treatment for cold in children
Contents
1 Overview of the common cold in children
2 Treatment of cold in children
3 Reducing cold symptoms in children
3.1 General advice and instructions
3.1.1 Offer fluids to the child
3.1.2 Use saline drops and nasal aspirator
3.1.3 Use of night nasal strips
3.1.4 Rinsing with water and salt
3.1.5 Helping the child to breathe better
4 See a doctor
5 References
An overview of the common cold in children
A common cold is a common viral infection that affects the upper part of the respiratory system,
Although individuals of different age groups are susceptible to catching a cold,
However, children and infants get colds more frequently.
And their cold symptoms usually last for a longer period of time than adults.
In particular, children have a higher chance of catching a cold during the fall and winter seasons, and during school days.
Where there is a lot of friction and communication between children with toys and direct contact with their peers,
As for the symptoms of a cold, they are mainly a blocked or runny nose
A cold can also be accompanied by some other symptoms, such as:
- Cough
- Throat pain in some cases
- Have a slight fever.
Treatment of cold in children
In fact, there is no cure for a cold.
As the child’s body builds immunity during the period of infection that enables it to protect itself and resist infection,
Thus, providing care and care is one of the best treatment methods that can be provided to a child with a cold,
Symptoms of the common cold may disappear completely after about two weeks of infection.
The treatments that can be provided to a person with a cold, whether young or old, are limited to medicines and treatments aimed at alleviating the unpleasant symptoms during the period of infection,
In addition to the above, it is worth noting the need to avoid the use of antibiotics in the event of a cold,
As mentioned previously, the common cold is a viral infection.
As for antibiotics, they are drugs that are used to treat bacterial infections only,
Therefore, it is of no use in treating a cold infection,
In addition, the frequent use of antibiotics leads to an increased chance for the child to have a bacterial infection in the future that resists the effectiveness of antibiotics.
General advice and guidance
Doctors focus on encouraging the child to get enough rest.
And that is by providing a quiet environment for the child,
Encourage him to practice activities that do not require much effort,
Rest helps speed up the child’s recovery from a cold infection.
Especially since the body consumes energy while fighting this infection,
In addition, there are a number of tips and instructions that can be provided to the mother to calm the child with a cold and alleviate the symptoms that he suffers, and we mention the following:
Offer fluids to the child
It is recommended that a child with cold be supplied with adequate amounts of fluids.
Such as formula for children, breast milk, or water,
As this helps to reduce the density of mucus accumulated in the nose, facilitate disposal of it, and prevent dehydration of the child,
On the other hand, older children are advised to drink fresh fruit drinks, in order to provide their bodies with adequate quantities of fluids.
Use saline drops and nasal aspirators
Saline nasal sprays or drops are available that you can get from pharmacies and give to children and infants.
It can be dispensed without a prescription.
In addition to the importance of using saline to clean the nose,
It is advisable to encourage the child to blow the nose with the tissue if he is able to do so.
As for babies, it is possible to resort to using a nasal aspirator, which allows to get rid of the mucus accumulated in the nose, which hinders the child from obtaining his needs from feeding.
Use of nighttime nasal strips
Nasal strips intended for children over five years old can be used.
Where it is placed on the child’s nose at bedtime by following the instructions attached to the package cover,
These strips make it easier for the child to breathe while he sleeps.
Rinsing the mouth with water and salt
Children over the age of six can be taught to rinse with water and salt in case of a cold, which helps soothe sore throats.
Help the child breathe better
Examples of ways that can help a child breathe include the following:
First: Introducing lozenges to children over the age of 4-6 years:
Taking lozenges for children from pharmacies helps relieve throat pain.
It can be given to children over the age of 4-6 years according to what the instructions state on the medicine package, with the need to avoid giving it to those who are younger.
It could be a cause of choking in a child.
Second: Humidification of atmospheric air:
Humidifiers can be placed in the child’s bedroom.
As he can breathe moist air during the day and while sleeping, inhaling moist air contributes to softening the mucus inside the nose.
Besides, the child can be given a warm bath, where the air inside the bathroom is saturated with steam,
In addition to the role of inhaling moist air in mucus softening,
Bathing in warm water helps relax the child as well,
Raising the baby’s head on an extra pillow while he/she sleeps helps make breathing more comfortable.
See a doctor
A child with a cold may exhibit a set of symptoms that require seeing a doctor,
Among these symptoms, the following can be mentioned:
First: Infants who are less than three months old have a fever, and their temperature exceeds 38 ° C.
Second: A child under the age of six months has a fever, and his temperature exceeds 38.3 ° C.
Third: The newborn has symptoms of illness, even if he does not have a fever.
Fourth: The appearance of fever and persists for more than a few days.
Fifthly: the child’s temperature rises, and then it decreases to become within its normal range for a day or two, only to rise again after that.
Sixth: Continuous vomiting and diarrhea.
Seventh: If the child coughs and continues for more than three weeks, or the child cries abnormally.
Eighth: the blueness of the child’s lips.
Ninth: The difficulty of breathing or the child’s breathing at a rapid rate.
Tenth: the emergence of signs that indicate the child’s suffering from physical pain, severe discomfort, or a decrease in the child’s response.
Eleven: The child’s nasal congestion has not improved even though ten days have passed since he had a cold.
Twelfth: Redness of the child’s eyes.
Thirteenth: The emergence of signs indicating that the child has pain in the ear; Whether it’s by complaining of ear pain directly, or by the child pulling the ear out.
İmportant notice:
The content of the submitted articles, including all text, graphics, images, and other materials, is provided for educational purposes only.
The information provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice or professional diagnosis.
Moreover, the information on this website should not be taken as final medical advice in relation to any case or individual situation.
We strongly recommend that you always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health service provider with any questions you may have regarding any medical condition, your general health, or the health of your child.
References
Could you please share the article?
