The common cold in babies is a viral infection caused by many different types of viruses. Toddlers often catch at least 6 colds per year.
Children are more prone to the common cold in babies than adults due to their underdeveloped immune systems. Cold weather is most common in winter, making it easier for viruses to spread. Sometimes, a baby recovers from an infection and may get sick again with a different viral infection.
It may feel like they are “always sick,” but this is part of building their immune system. The common cold in babies is also more frequent as they grow older and are exposed to external environments, making them more susceptible.
Symptoms of a Cold
Symptoms vary from patient to patient according to the environment, health condition, diet, and severity
- Runny nose or blockage
- Cough
- Sneezing
- Tired
- Fever (low or high grade)
- Sore throat
- Irrigation
- Respiratory distress
Less Common Symptoms are:
- Vomiting
- Rashes
- Diarrhoea
Causes
The most common cause is Viruses which spread from person to person through droplets during coughing and sneezing.
Pneumonia by pneumococcal bacterial infection
Bronchitis or bronchiolitis
Whooping cough
When to see a doctor?
Most babies recover at home with home care treatment but in severe cases need to see a healthcare professional.
Under 3 months baby age with respiratory distress and getting worse, you need to address this with the doctor.
No improvement in symptoms after 48 hours
When a child has a cough or cold and refuses to drink for several weeks, the urine colour becomes pale yellow with a decrease in urine production.
These symptoms as described above mean your child’s illness is severe and needs medical attention.
Treatment
Most coughs and colds are caused by viruses and resolve on their own within a week. The best treatment for most coughs and colds is rest. If your child is sick, keep him or her home to rest and recover. Boosting up their immune system helps to fight viruses.
Hydration Status
Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids that soothing effect on sore throat
Hydration status and also decreases body temperature
In vomiting or diarrhea fluid replacement therapy is important.
Ease in Breathing
Clean nose 2-3 times a day that eases breathing
Suction is done with bulb suction.
Norsalin P drops can help thin mucus and make it easier to suction
Medications
Paracetamol or ibuprofen is used to decrease the pain of a sore throat or headache and also decrease temperature. The dose is according to the age of the children.
Antibiotics are only used to treat bacterial infections. Most coughs are caused by cold viruses, so they won’t help your child get better quickly.
Give your child a teaspoon or 2 of honey before bed.
There are some medicines not used
Decongestants
Antihistamines
Vitamins during infection
Prevention
There are no precautions to prevent the common cold, but there are things that can reduce the chances of getting sick.
Proper hand washing often, especially after coughing, sneezing, or after cleaning the nose.
Use tissue paper instead of hankies
Having a balanced diet
Enough sleep