Colds in Children
Colds are one of the most common health problems in children.
The common cold is usually caused by viruses. These viruses can affect the airways in the nose, sinuses, ears, throat and lungs. They multiply in the mucous membrane, which is the lining of the respiratory tract. Symptoms include runny nose, sweating, wheezing and coughing. Mild fever, diarrhea, tearing and burring may accompany the picture. The complaints increase in the first 4-5 days and reach the maximum.
Damage to the mucous membrane lining the respiratory tract impairs the sweeping/cleaning function of the velvety hairs on the surface. As a result, secretion accumulates in the airways and coughing begins. The runny nose becomes more viscous. After this stage, the body begins to produce antibodies. The complaints gradually improve and disappear around 10 days. 4-5. If the symptoms do not begin to decrease after the first day or if the total duration exceeds 10 days, it is considered that the body resistance has decreased and secondary microbes have intervened. Mucus formation increases. The color darkens. Fire is added to the table. In this case, considering that bacteria may be involved, antibiotics can be started if your doctor deems it necessary.
The common cold is transmitted by the sneezing-coughing of sick people, mixing of the germs that cause the common cold, and physical contact such as shaking hands and touching. Symptoms usually begin after an incubation period of 2-3 days. It is most commonly observed in November and February.
There is no specific treatment for the common cold. The most important treatment is to thin the concentrated respiratory secretions and ensure that they are expelled by coughing/swallowing. Dry air also dries the tissue lining the respiratory tract and impairs the movement of the cleaning hairs. Humidifying the room air, increasing your baby’s fluid intake, and cleaning the nose with saline drops or sprays (using an aspirator if necessary) will help.
Such epidemics are common in school-going children. It is considered normal for children in social environments to get sick 8 to 12 times a year. These environments are important and necessary for our body to strengthen the immune system. Therefore, playgroups, school, etc., in case your child will be sick. It is much more important to strengthen the immune system instead of keeping your child away from social environments. Thus, you will not prevent your child’s development in other areas. There is no specific treatment for the common cold. The most important treatment is to thin the concentrated respiratory secretions and ensure that they are expelled by coughing/swallowing. Dry air also dries the tissue lining the respiratory tract and impairs the movement of the cleaning hairs. Humidifying the room air, increasing your baby’s fluid intake, and cleaning the nose with saline drops or sprays (using an aspirator if necessary) will help.
Such epidemics are common in school-going children. It is considered normal for children in social environments to get sick 8 to 12 times a year. These environments are important and necessary for our body to strengthen the immune system. Therefore, playgroups, school, etc., in case your child will be sick. It is much more important to strengthen the immune system instead of keeping your child away from social environments. Thus, you will not hinder your child’s development in other areas.
In order to better protect yourself against such epidemics and strengthen your children’s immune system, you can find below some practical measures that we have compiled from both our doctor’s recommendations and different sources:
1- The first golden measure starts with increasing personal hygiene and cleanliness. It is necessary to teach children to wash their hands very well and to repeat the washing process frequently. If you do not have the opportunity to wash your hands, you can use disinfectant. During this period, we recommend that you have the materials that will support us in hygiene, such as wipes, wet wipes and disinfectants, in your bag.
2- It is very important for you and your children to make exercise a part of daily life. Remember, exercising strengthens your immune system. However, if you or your child is sick in some way, make sure to prioritize rest.
3- Eating right is very important. We recommend that you drink plenty of fluids.
4- It is important for your children and yourself to pay attention to a fruit-vegetable diet.
5- Many fruits are very useful for your children with their different properties. We recommend that you consume lots of fruit. Here we would like to remind you of some important fruit options that we associate with the immune system:
It is known that apples are good for headaches and lower blood sugar, as well as protecting against diseases.
– We must not forget the citrus fruits. Oranges and tangerines are rich in vitamin C and strengthen your immune system.
– Kiwi is also very strong in terms of vitamin C. It is said that one kiwi meets the daily need for vitamin C. Blood orange juice contains antioxidants along with vitamin C.
– Another fruit strong in terms of antioxidants is pomegranate. Pomegranate also contains a significant amount of potassium, vitamins A, C, B2 and niacin and helps strengthen your immune system.
6- Many doctors recommend herbal teas during periods when colds can intensify. Regular consumption of two tea glasses of herbal tea a day is ideally emphasized. Sage, linden, ginger, cloves and black pepper (for mouthwash) come to the fore in the recommendations. In addition, it is possible to offer different combinations that you can make your children love with different flavors such as linden with ginger, linden with cinnamon honey, ginger with honey lemon and mint lemon.
7- It is not possible for us to escape from crowded environments, but it seems like the right option to stay away from close contacts such as too much kissing and shaking hands during this period.
Beyond all these measures, being happy strengthens the immune system. That’s why it would be great if we aim to raise healthy and happy children first!