When the weather changes, even an adult gets under the weather. Naturally, a little kid, whose immune system is still developing, will get affected more often. So, what can you do about it?
In short, take measures to prevent it and get treatment as soon as you see symptoms of cough and cold in your child.
First of all, how can you tell if your child is suffering?
What Are The Symptoms Of Cough & Cold In Children?
The onset of any infection (yes, even the common cold is an infection) is usually marked by general irritability in a child. But this can be due to a wide number of reasons. So, you need to observe your child for the following additional symptoms:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Sore throat (irritability during eating)
- Mucus from nose
- Mild noise while breathing
- Mouth breathing
- Fever
Up to the age of 5, children may get around 10 colds per year. So, you must take good preventive measures to keep these episodes under control.
How Can You Prevent Cough & Cold In Your Children?
The common cold virus is contagious. It spreads through contact. So, restrict your child’s interaction with anyone – child or adult – who is currently suffering from a cold.
If your child goes to a playschool or a nursery school, teach your child a few healthy habits. For example, he must wash his hands properly before eating or touching his face. He may maintain some distance from an affected child. He may use a mask for added protection.
In general, keep your child warm and away from allergens. However, the best way to prevent frequent cough and cold in children is to administer the flu vaccine. You may bring your child to Sai Siva Children’s Hospital to plan this vaccination with the Best Pediatrician.
How Is Cough & Cold In Children Treated?
It is a common practice in India to use home remedies for treating cough and cold. But when it comes to children, home remedies may soothe their discomfort a little but they cannot cure them fast enough. And if the condition is not treated quickly, it may spread and cause more severe infections.
On this note, also understand that you cannot give OTC cough syrup or adult medicine to children. Children have an entirely different treatment course.
When you bring your child to our doctor, he will do a physical examination of your child to understand his condition. The general medicines include some antibiotics, a medicine to manage fever, and something that soothes your child’s breathing process (saline drops or cough sweets). If the cold doesn’t subside within 3-7 days, further diagnostic tests and medicines may be required. If you want to use any form of home remedy, consult a doctor regarding the same before doing so.
How Can You Soothe Your Child’s Discomfort When He Has Cough & Cold?
- Keep him warm.
- Draw warm baths only. Dry them & get warm at the soonest.
- Use nasal drops to soothe nasal congestion.
- Use lozenges to soothe a sore throat.
- Give them warm, liquid food like soup.
- Comply with the medical regimen.
- Follow up on doctor’s appointments.
Cough and colds are very common in children. But they are easily manageable as well. Bring your child to medical care as soon as you see the symptoms and you can rest assured that your child will recover easily.