Young children are especially prone to infections. However, they are also the most sensitive to drugs and artificial substances, which is why many medications are unsuitable for them. Examples include cough syrups with stimulating pseudoephedrine or painkillers that will harm a small organism. So how should you treat a cold in young children?
- Herbal and fruit teas, such as raspberry or blackberry, are recommended for drinking. Honey or ginger honey is great for sweetening – they help cough up, warm up and fight infections.
- With a sore throat, rinses with sage or elderberry tea are recommended. It is enough to brew a tea bag in half a glass of water and rinse your throat several times a day after it has cooled down slightly.
- It is worth reaching only for syrups or medicines intended specifically for children. Among such substances is Panadol. Medications for adults, even if they seem light, can be very strong for a small organism. It also happens that a drug that is safe for an adult in a child works completely differently. It is always worth reading the leaflets attached to the package – sometimes medicines are suitable for children, but in a smaller dose – for example, half a tablet once a day, instead of a whole tablet every few hours. If the leaflet does not clearly state that the drug is suitable for children, it is better to give it up.
- It is also worth lubricating the child with menthol ointment. This will make it easier for him to breathe and fall asleep easier.
- It’s good that the body has the strength to fight the infection. Therefore, we can neither allow the child to overeat unhealthy products, nor agree to avoid food, which is common among children with fever and runny nose. It is best if we focus on warming, home-made dishes, such as soups, groats, risotto.
- In the case of small children, it is worth watching them carefully. With a stuffy nose and a sore throat, it happens that children choke and need a parent’s help. It is good for the baby to sleep on its side and not on its back.
- When it is hot, it is worth dressing the child lightly and placing it under a light quilt or sheet. Fever can also be reduced with cool compresses.
- A sick child should drink plenty of fluids. Let’s make sure that it is water, teas or juices, not sweetened drinks.
- Products with a high content of vitamin C are a good idea. It is worth serving hibiscus tea, lemon tea or water with citrus juice.
- It is worth ventilating the child’s room well. Fresh air helps fight infections and the sun kills bacteria. Therefore, even if it is cold outside, it is worth ventilating the room.