This is a list of ailments and conditions that may affect you or your family at certain stages of life. Here you will find information such as the symptoms, and the best way to relieve the situation until a medical professional has been called.
Babies are often snuffly without having an infection. They usually clear their noses by sneezing and most continue feeding. Consult your doctor if your baby seems unwell or has such a runny nose that feeding is difficult.
Colds are not usually serious. There are many different types of cold virus, so children may have a cold every 6–8 weeks. As they get older and build up their immunity, they will have fewer colds.
Symptoms of a cold include:
Runny nose
Watery eyes
Fever
If a cough develops, it may be dry or chesty (bringing up phlegm).
Medical treatment
Your doctor may prescribe decongestant nose drops for a few days (longer use may make the cold worse
As colds are caused by viruses, your doctor will not usually give an antibiotic unless a chest infection develops
If your child has a cough, ask your doctor to recommend a suitable cough mixture for the child’s age. Many doctors believe that a chesty cough should not be suppressed as this is nature’s way of clearing mucus from the lungs
Or your doctor may prescribe asthma treatment, which is more effective for some types of cough
Paracetamol in the correct dose for the child’s age may help to reduce his temperature
!Many cough mixtures are not recommended for babies.
How you can help:
To help your child breathe more easily, prop him up by raising the head end of the cot, or by placing a pillow under his mattress. Older children can be given extra pillows
Keep him cool
Give plenty of drinks
If your baby is more than three months old try using a vapour rub or sprinkle the contents of a decongestant capsule on his bedding
If your child is more than two years old try using an electric vaporiser
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