DivyaInfections with cold or flu viruses are common in childhood. The reason is that children haven’t developed immunity to specific values yet. Roughly 200 cold viruses are there which all have similar symptoms. So, your child will never get the same cold twice!
Babies receive antibodies from their mothers when they are being breastfed. So, they are less likely to catch colds. Colds get more frequent when your child starts nursery as they are suddenly exposed to lots of new viruses.
Symptoms of Common Cold
Most of the cold viruses start with ‘catarrhal’ symptoms such as a runny or blocked nose, cough, sore throat, and fever. The nasal discharge is first clear and as the body’s defenses take over, the nasal discharge gets yellow and thicker.
Effects of Nasal Congestion
- Difficulty in breathing – Children between the age group of 0 to 1 –year-old are obligatory nose breathers. So, it is difficult for them to breathe due to nasal congestion.
- Difficulty in eating – Loss of appetite is often one of the first signs of illness in a child. Nasal congestion makes children avoid eating. In young babies, it can prevent breathing during feeding.
- Sleep deprivation – Kids get deprived of sleep due to nasal congestion and feel drowsy.
- Crankiness – The discomfort caused due to nasal congestion makes children extremely cranky.
- Hindrance to the growth – Nasal congestion in some severe cases might hinder mental and physical growth too.
Treatment of Common Cold
The virus cannot be treated itself, only the symptoms can be treated. According to the doctors, there is no cure for the common cold but you can reduce the discomfort. Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics if a secondary infection such as bronchitis or sinusitis supervenes otherwise, home remedies suffice.
- Give your child plenty of fluids.
- Encourage your child to blow the nose frequently. Show him how to clear one nostril at a time.
- Apply petroleum jelly to his nostrils and top lip if they become chapped or sore.
- Keep the atmosphere humid.
- Give him steam of plain water under your supervision.
In case of severe congestion
- Make sure your child sleeps with his head propped up with pillows.
- Apply a menthol rub to his chest.
- Use nasal drops or nasal spray to make him breathe and sleep comfortably.
Nasivion nose drops
Nasivion nose drops could be used to unblock the nose which is safe and effective. It will help your child to play and learn more comfortably as it is well tolerated and provides up to 12 hours of easier breathing.
- Nasivion Mini (Baby) 0.01% Nose Drops can be used for infants below one year.
- Nasivion Pediatric (Child) 0.025% Nose Drops can be used for children from one to six-year-old.
Consult your pediatrician before using the product. Read the complete manual carefully or visit Nasivion website for ‘How to use’ instructions.
So Happy Nose – Happy Mom!
Have more remedies to add to unblock the blocked nose? Please share with us in the comments section below.
Wish you very Happy and Comfortable Parenting!
