As another Summer passes us by and Winter is fast approaching so are the coughs, colds & runny noses. Though these ailments are not isolated to Winter time, they seem to be more prominent at this time of year. Colds and chest infections tend to be the most common illness seen by a Doctor. In fact more infants and pre-school children will suffer between four to eight colds per year though it is not totally rare for it to be up to twelve per year. Just when you think your little one is feeling better, along comes another one! Rest assured though, the number of colds your infant or toddler will get will decrease as they grow older.
Most coughs and colds are caused by a virus and as there are so many viral strains it is no doubt they are so easy to catch. RSV or Respiratory Synoytial Virus is the most common though by the age of 3 most children will have developed antibodies to ward of this strain. RSV usually starts with a runny nose, cough and sometimes a fever. Unfortunately there is not a lot you can do about a cold except let it run it’s course. You should always ensure that your child is receiving enough fluids as dehydration can be a dangerous factor for anyone who is ill and should be monitored carefully. If your baby is over three months, you can administer Infant Paracetamol though check with a Health Professional first before doing this. Sometimes it can help to place some Eucalyptus Oil on a cloth in the bedroom or even in an Aromatic Burner before they go to bed to help them to breath easy. If using an Aromatic Burner never leave it burning in a child’s room without Adult Supervision. Raising one end of their cot or bed can also help to keep your child’s nose a little clearer though it is not recommended that you leave a pillow in a baby’s cot as this can be very dangerous. Importantly, don’t smoke around a baby or child ever and particularly if they are suffering from coughs or colds. If your child is over 12 months of age, a drink of warm water with a dash of honey and lemon may help to soothe a sore throat. It is not advisable to give honey to a child under 12 months due to botulism bacteria.
If your child is vomiting, has a fever of over 39 degrees or a rash, seek medical advice immediately.
A fever develops when the body is trying to fight off illness so acts as the body’s natural defence mechanism. Symptoms of fever include sweating, loss of appetite, feels hot to touch, shivering, weakness and looks flushed. During this time it is best to keep clothing and bed linen light and ensure your child has plenty of fluids. Give your child a luke warm bath (never cold as this actually causes the body temperature to raise. 1 in 20 children may suffer from febrile convulsions. These are caused when the body temperature raises too quickly and can be very frightening for first time parents. It is best to seek medical attention immediately should this occur.
As the saying goes “Prevention is Better Than Cure” and it is now possible to give small children Multi Vitamins and supplements to help improve their immune system. Speak to your Health Professional or Health Food Expert about the best products to administer to your children and do your utmost to stay happy and healthy this Winter.
If you have any tips or comments about Coughs, Colds & Runny Noses, please
email us as we would love to hear your views.