Children's Coughs and Colds

It's that time of year when every child seems to have a constant runny nose.

Even babies under one year seem to ctach a cold at some time, and despite all you may try and do to keep infection at bay, the cold virus is hard to escape.


Colds are viral infections of the nose and throat, and because there are so many strains of the virus it is impossible to vaccinate against them. Obviously a good diet and general good health will help to protect against them, but there is no cure. All you can do if your child catches a cold is to relieve the symptoms and make life as comfortable as possible.


As babies only breathe through their noses, the biggest problem is nasal congestion. This will make feeding from the breast or bottle more difficult and he may become frustrated and distressed. Feeding routines may well go out of the window!

If his nose is very congested, try using a 75g suction bulb (available from the chemist) or thin the mucus with a few drops of saline solution. Ask your pharmacist for advice. Wash off nasal mucus with a dampened piece of cotton wool, and a light smearing of Vasline around the nostrils will stop the area becoming sore.

He may well also have a sore throat, which can be relieved with frequent feeds and cooled boiled water given from a bottle. Coughing is usually just a reflex action to mucus running down his throat.

Colds in older infants
Most children under four are unable to blow their noses, so once again, you will need to ease nasal congestion by wiping his nose with soft tissues or cotton wool. Apply a little Vaseline around his nose to stop the area becoming sore.

A few drops of oil of Eucalyptus, on a hankerchief and left close to his bed (though not touching his skin), will help to relieve congestion at night (always read the instructions on the bottle). If he is old enough to sleep in a bed, raising his head with an extra pillow will also help.

Infant paracetamol can help older children affected by colds, but always follow the dosage instructions on the bottle.

If your child is feverish, give him plenty of liquids to drink and do not overwrap him. If you are concerned, contact your doctor for advice.

Your child may well be more clingy when he has a cold and feels unwell. Be patient - you know yourself how rough a cold can make you feel - but so long as he is not running a temperature and he is wrapped up warm, there is no reason not to let him play outside if the weather is reasonable and he is keen to do so.

Coughs
Coughs may be a way of clearing mucus, but they can also be a result of infection of the throat or lower passages. Cough mixture is not always a good idea as it only serves to suppress the cough, not cure it. However, if the cough disturbs your child's sleep, a night cough suppressant may help if used for a short time.

If your child has a persistant or rattling cough, or is wheezing, ask your doctor's advice. He or she will decide of the cough is viral (in which case it will need to run its course) or caused by bacterial infection, which will need antibiotics.

Dry hacking coughs may be the sign of the beginning of an infectious childhood fever (measles or whooping cough, though, thanks to immunisation these are rare), or a bronchial infection when the air tubes to the lungs are infected. The dry cough in these cases will often develop into a chesty cough, and he will produce phlegm which is then swallowed. Your child may make himself sick.

If you are unsure about the nature of your child's cough, or the cough is persistant and doesn't clear up, consult your doctor.

For useful advice on children's coughs and colds, and child health in general, visit:
www.surgerydoor.co.uk
www.askyourpharmacist.co.uk