Tips for parents on the care of common colds in kids

The common cold is a viral infectious disease of the upper respiratory tract which primarily affects the nose.  upper respiratory tract infections are mainly divided by the areas they affect,with the common cold primarily affecting the nose,the throat and the sinuses,occasionally affecting the eyes(conjunctivitis). common cold can also lead to pneumonia mostly in children.

Symptoms of cold:

 the symptoms of cold usually appear a day to three days after exposure or in contact with a cold causing virus. The signs or symptoms to look out for are;

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Itchy or sore throat
• Nasal congestion
• Cough
• A slight fever mostly in children
• Muscle ache
• Fatigue
• loss of appetite
• Mild headache

when should I be worried or go to a Doctor?

On the average, children are mostly affected by cold than adult. your child does not necessary need to see a doctor for routine common cold, but you must seek for a medical help right away when you notice any of this sign or symptom;

• a fever of 38°C or higher in newborn(0-3 month old)
• a child of any age develops fever that rises repeatedly above 40°C.
• fever that lasts more than 24 hrs in a child below 2 yrs.
• common cold that last more than 10 days and whereby your child coughs up green, yellow or brown sputum. This could be a sign of bacteria infection.
• your child complaining of some difficulty in breathing.
• persistent crying 
• signs of ear infection which can be obvious by ear ache or your baby rubbing her ear, feeling irritable.
• vomiting or  abdominal pains
• persistent cough
• your child seems to be complaining of throat ache or difficulty in swallowing.
• if there seems to be no improvement rather your child seems to be getting worse.

Helping your child cope with the symptoms of cold;

• encourage your child to take lots of fluid. water is fine but a warm drink might be preferable.
• paracetamol liquid or ibuprofen can help ease the ache or fever 
• you can raise the pillow end slightly if he complains of a blocked nose.
• encourage your child to get enough rest.
• keep the room warm.
• to help relieve nasal congestion, you can use a saline nasal drop. this you can get from  over-the-counter. it is safe, non irritating and very effective. they can be dropped before feeding to improve nursing or bottle taking and before bedtime to help improve sleep.