We can say that colds come with cold in children. We explain how it can affect them and give you some tips to treat them.
There are about 200 viruses that cause colds in children . These affect especially in the winter season, and when the little ones start to go to daycare or school, since they are more exposed. Check out more interesting articles on our site.
If your son or daughter starts with a cold (cough, stuffy nose, discomfort, pain…), the most appropriate thing is to request a consultation with the pediatrician.
Remember that medicines (also those that can be purchased without a prescription) are not recommended for children under 6 years of age if there is no medical recommendation. In addition, it is important to pay attention to the prospects and not give any medicine to children below the recommended age.
SYMPTOMS OF COLDS IN CHILDREN
A cold or catarrh is a condition of the upper respiratory tract. Boys and girls are highly sensitive when it comes to contracting it, and can suffer from it several times throughout the year. This is because their immune system, which protects them from infection, is still developing.
Most of the time the contagion of colds in children occurs as a result of contact with other affected children, who sneeze or cough, and spread the virus. In addition, it can be transmitted by simply rubbing the nose or eyes, or by contact with toys that are infected or contaminated by the virus.
The cold, sudden changes in temperature, which weaken the defense system of the throat and the mucous membranes of the nose, humidity, the influx of germs in places with many people and the atmosphere of the city, are several of the factors that favor the appearance of colds in children.
Some of the characteristics of colds are:
- Tiredness.
- Itchy nose.
- Episodes of nasal obstruction that complicate breathing.
- Increased nasal mucus, beginning with a runny nose (rhinorrhea). Initially it is clear and fluid, but if superinfection occurs it can become thick and greenish or yellowish.
- secretions.
- Tos.
- Fever.
- General discomfort.
- sneezing
- Tearful eyes.
- Clogged ears.
In the case of babies, fever appears much more frequently, since their immune system is even more immature. The fever will serve to increase the body’s defenses, and although it is usually the most common reason for requesting a consultation with the pediatrician, they usually heal on their own (without sequelae) within approximately 7 days.
HOW TO RELIEVE COLD IN CHILDREN?
Being caused by a virus, colds in children do not have a specific effective treatment that ends them. However, some medications or remedies can be used that will help relieve the symptoms. These will be intended above all to reduce dripping or mucus from the nose, which produces obstruction and causes difficulties when breathing.
In this way, the intake of abundant liquids or the use of decongestants will be positive, as well as the administration of physiological saline drops in the nostrils of the baby, boy or girl, before meals. On the other hand, it is important that children learn to blow their nose correctly.
Some complications such as bronchitis, laryngitis, sinusitis or otitis may occur , so it is best to pay attention to the pediatrician’s recommendations. In addition, you must not forget that any treatment that is necessary must be recommended by the medical staff, who will know the specific case of your son or daughter.
