Treating Colds in Children: Tricks and Tips

The common cold is the most common illness in children, teens and adults. However, when a child has a cold, it's as rough on the adult as on a child. There is something especially alarming when a child is sick. Here's some advice to help you through the inevitable cold.

WHAT IS A COLD?

The common cold is an upper respiratory viral infection. A viral infection is not a bacterial infection, so antibiotics are completely useless in treatment of a standard cold. Unfortunately, many doctors use to routinely give antibiotics for colds. It is true that some colds may cause a bacterial infection, which will affect your children's immune system. When this occurs, an antibiotic will be necessary. However, usually, an antibiotic is not given, and is usually not beneficial to the general health of the child.

With the exception of infants, although a child may be completely miserable, a cold is simply not dangerous in a healthy child. Most colds will naturally go away in about a week regardless of treatment.

Unfortunately, there are many viruses that cause colds. While a child with a cold will build up resistance against that one virus, colds will re-appear from other viruses and the new viruses that are always developing.

COLD SYMPTOMS

Most times a cold will come on abruptly. Initially, you might hear your child sneezing, and you might notice a runny nose. He or she might become irritable and develop a headache, a fever, sore throat, a cough, become very tried.

WHEN TO PHONE THE DOCTOR

Normally, a cold is not serious. However, if your children experiences diarrhoea, vomiting, a high temperature (over 101 f), extreme fatigue, or has chills and shakes, then you should consult your doctor immediately. These symptoms indicate something other than a cold.

WHAT TO DO FOR A COLD

1. Allow your child to have plenty of rest.

2. I light diet is sometimes better if he or she has an upset stomach.

3. Provide them with lots of water for drinking. In fact, push water.

4. You can use ibuprofen to reduce an elevated fever.

Talk with your doctor before giving your children over-the-counter medicines.