The little ones, within a year, can experience it even 7-10 times, with all that follows in terms of reddened noses, general malaise, difficulty feeding, sleepless nights and exhausted parents.
Unfortunately, there are no remedies that can prevent or treat colds specifically, because the viruses that cause it (rhinovirus) are widespread in the environment and substantially insensitive to vaccines and available drugs.
Fortunately, however, there are several strategies that can help reduce the number of episodes and promote healing, alleviating the symptoms.
Prevention across the board
On the preventive front, it is above all necessary to avoid temperature changes for the child, staying in crowded places, especially during periods of greatest spread of rhinoviruses (ie from October to March) and proximity to people who already have suspicious respiratory symptoms.
Therapies, follow the directions
When viruses have already struck, however, all that remains is to try to alleviate the discomfort of the stuffy nose and inflammation with effective remedies suitable for children.
In this regard, it should be immediately specified that nasal decongestants (which even adults should use as little as possible and for no more than a few days) in children under 12 years, should be avoided tout court, because there are no studies that indicate their usefulness in the face of certain and not negligible side effects.
The second fundamental premise concerns antibiotics: against colds they are completely useless and, even in case of fever or flu, they should be administered exclusively on medical prescription.
Moving on to “authorized” interventions, the most effective and recommended from an early age is to wash with isotonic nasal solutions based on sea water, freely available in pharmacies without prescription.
To free the nose from mucus, simply instill, taking care to recline the head on one side, 2-3 drops of solution in each nostril (one at a time) and, then, blow the nose to the child or remove them with the help of a small nasal aspirator (soft rubber bead) if the child is very small.
If the cold is very intense, this procedure can be repeated even several times a day.
Even with aerosol
The same saline solutions can be used in the form of aerosols: a particularly effective remedy due to the humidifying and rebalancing action of the isotonic solution on the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. Also aerosol, if necessary, can be carried out several times a day, for example, in the morning and evening.
Other useful tips for adults and children with colds, especially if accompanied by cough and sore throat, include the use of environmental humidifiers (to be placed especially in the bedroom) and to drink plenty of hot liquids or at room temperature, always to promote the humidification of the mucous membranes and the elimination of secretions.
All liquids are fine (chamomile, herbal teas suitable for children, milk and honey, chicken broth, etc.).
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
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