Does your little one constantly complain that he or she has a sore throat, a runny nose, or a runny nose? There really is no mother or father in this world who has not experienced this. So today, let's talk about how to manage the symptoms of this cold, and how to prevent your child from getting it again.
What is this cold?
Simply put, a cold is a viral infection. There are over 200 types of viruses that can cause it, but the most common one is the rhinovirus. A mistake that many people make is to take antibiotics for a cold. Remember, antibiotics kill bacteria, not viruses. Therefore, antibiotics will not cure a cold caused by a virus.
A cold is not dangerous for a healthy child, except for a newborn or an immunocompromised child. It usually resolves without any special treatment within 4 to 10 days.
What symptoms should you expect?
When your child starts to get a cold, they may first feel a strange, queasy feeling. Then they develop a scratchy throat, runny nose, and cough. The sore throat is initially caused by mucus building up. Later, the mucus from the nose can also drain into the throat (we call this ``postnasal drip''), which can cause a sore throat.
When the cold is a little worse, you may notice symptoms like these when you wake up in the morning:
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Soto fluid leakage | Although it may look like water at first, it may later turn thick and yellow or green. |
| Sneezing | Frequent sneezing is common. |
| Watery eyes | The eyes may become red and have a watery discharge or discharge. |
| Fever | Some children may have a slight fever. |
| Cough | It may start as a dry cough and then turn into a cough with mucus. |
| Lifeless body | The child may not be as active as usual and may be lethargic. |
| Appetite | Decreased or complete loss of appetite. |
This cold virus can also affect a child's sinuses, throat, bronchial tubes, and ears. Sometimes, it can even cause diarrhea and vomiting.
How often does my baby get colds?
Don't be surprised to hear this. It's normal for a child under 2 years old to get a cold about 8 to 10 times a year . Preschoolers can get it about 9 times a year, and once they start school, they can get it about 12 times a year. Adults like us get it about two to four times a year.
This cold usually spreads most during the rainy season and cold weather.
How can you prevent catching a cold?
The easiest way for a child to catch a cold is when a healthy child touches something that a sick person has touched. For example, the virus can live for hours on things like doorknobs, stair railings, books, pens, and toys.
So the best and simplest protection against this is hand washing .
Teach your child how to wash their hands properly. They should wash their hands after using the bathroom, before eating, and after playing at school or at home. To kill germs, they should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds . An easy way to remember this is to teach your child to wash their hands until they sing "Happy Birthday to You" twice. Using hand sanitizer is also a good option when washing your hands is not possible.
If your child has a cold, it is your responsibility to prevent them from spreading it to others. If they have symptoms, keep them home from school and away from other children. Teach your child to cover their mouths when sneezing and coughing, and to use a tissue when blowing their nose. If a tissue is not available, teach them to cough into the crook of their elbow. Also, remind them to wash their hands after each use.
Are cold medicines safe for children?
This is a very important point. Drug manufacturers and even health authorities recommend that children under 4 years of age should not be given over-the-counter cough and cold medicines. Here are some of the main active ingredients that these may contain.
| Drug Category | Examples of Active Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Cough Suppressants | Dextromethorphan (Dextromethorphan or DM) |
| Expectorants | Guaifenesin |
| Decongestants | Pseudoephedrine, Phenylephrine |
| Allergy medications (Antihistamines) | Chlorpheniramine, Diphenhydramine |
Coughing is actually a natural defense mechanism that the body uses to clear the virus and mucus from the lungs. Therefore, unless the child is unusually ill, it is okay to cough a little.
When do you need to see a doctor?
If your child's condition does not improve after a few days, talk to your doctor. Also, it is essential to seek medical advice immediately if any of the following warning signs are present:
- Severe fever (especially any fever in a baby under 3 months of age)
- Persistent vomiting
- Chills and shakes
- Persistent, hacking cough
- If you have difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, or feel your chest sinking in when you breathe (it is best to take you to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) at this time)
- Excessive fatigue (if the child is so sleepy that it is impossible to wake him up)
If your child has a chronic illness like asthma or diabetes, call your doctor as soon as they develop a cold. Sometimes a cold can lead to complications like pneumonia. Symptoms include fever, a cough with mucus, body aches, rapid or difficult breathing, and extreme fatigue. If you have any of these, see a doctor immediately.
Take-Home Message
- The common cold is a viral illness and cannot be treated with antibiotics.
- Do not give over-the-counter cough/cold medicines to children under 4 years of age without the advice of a doctor.
- The best way to protect your child from colds is to get them into the habit of washing their hands regularly.
- The best treatment is to give the child plenty of rest and to give him as much warm fluids (water, soup, milk) as possible.
- If you have warning signs such as difficulty breathing, high fever, or excessive drowsiness, see a doctor immediately.
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