Colds affect mothers during seasonal transitions, as the upper respiratory system encounters many viruses. Rhinovirus stands out as one of the common causes of these symptoms, causing nasal congestion, throat irritation, and coughing. These symptoms may be accompanied by a slight increase in body temperature.
Virus is not treated with antibiotics
A report from the Texas Children’s Hospital website advises excluding antibiotics in the treatment of colds, as they are viral diseases that do not respond to these medications. The normal duration of symptoms ranges between one week and another, and may increase in winter due to a decline in body immunity; therefore, proper home management is considered the best defense against the illness.
Age warnings for cough medicine
Recommendations for using cough and cold medicines vary according to the child’s age:
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Ages under 4 years: Taking cough and cold medicines is prohibited; coughing is considered a natural physiological means to expel phlegm from the body.
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From 4 to 6 years: It is recommended to use medications only under a medical prescription.
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After age seven: Medications can be used as long as the prescribed doses are followed.
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General warning: Medications containing paracetamol carry a warning sign for extreme caution to avoid causing liver damage.
Breathing is the start of the solution
Saline solution or water-based nasal sprays help thin mucus and provide ventilation to the patient’s nose. Regarding infants, devices that assist in suctioning mucus from the nose are used before breastfeeding or bedtime. Humidifiers or steam from a hot bath can also be beneficial; both contribute to reducing nasal dryness and congestion.
Comfortable sleep tricks
Raising the head with an extra pillow alleviates the severity of congestion and night coughing. For infants, it is preferable to raise their bed at a slight, safe incline during their sleep.
Honey and refreshing ointment
Honey is considered one of the oldest effective home recipes for soothing throat pain and calming a patient’s cough. The appropriate dose for the child’s age is as follows:
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Half a teaspoon for children between one and five years old every few hours.
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A full teaspoon for children over the age of five.
- A fundamental rule: Giving honey to infants under the age of completion (less than 12 months) is prohibited to prevent the risk of botulism (Clostridium botulinum).
Studies have shown that the effectiveness of honey often exceeds that of some specific cough medicines in reducing the severity of illness symptoms and improving sleep quality.
Cold foods to soothe the throat
Cold foods and drinks such as yogurt, applesauce, and cold juices help soothe inflammation and throat stinging. After reaching age four, crunchy foods can facilitate a sense of relief. For children older than six years, gargling with a saline solution (half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of water) is beneficial.
When should you see a doctor?
Immediate medical evaluation is advised if a high temperature persists for more than five days, or if breathing difficulties, a significant decrease in urination rate, or a state of unexplained lethargy appears. If the symptoms are less severe, sufficient rest, maintaining a calm atmosphere, and follow-up with fluids and warm liquids are usually enough for recovery.
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