How to Take Care of a Cold

The common cold is one of the most frequent affectations during infancy. Colds generally pass without serious consequences. But they can be very bothersome, especially for our little ones who do not understand what is happening to them and can’t express how they feel.

In order to take care of your little one’s cold, here at You are mom we offer some advice.

The common cold

The common cold is an infectious and contagious viral disease of the human respiratory system. It is considered a common but light affectation that can affect anyone and everyone.

The main symptoms of the common cold are:

• Sneezing
• Frequent headache
• Nasal secretion and nasal drip
• Tearing
• Nostril congestion
• Throat pain or dryness
• Generalized muscle and articulation pain
• Tiredness
• Cough

The symptoms of the common cold are usually the same in adults as in children. Although as adults we are able to deal with a cold, for the little ones it is a bit more difficult.

This is why after catching a cold, a child usually loses desire to play. They become pestle; they want to be held all the time and to be cuddled and comforted by mom.

A common cold can las from 7 to 10 days and because it is caused by viruses up till this moment, there is no cure.

The only way to take care of  a cold is to alleviate the associated symptoms.

Tips to take care of a cold

Like we have mentioned before, curing a cold or the flu is well known as an impossible task. The only thing we can do is soften the symptoms.

Next up we will concentrate on the most common irritations caused by the common cold and offer some advice to mitigate them.

Nasal congestion

Nasal congestion is one of the most common symptoms of the common cold. Immediately after the body gets sick, mucus obstructs the nose of the child and it makes it a bit difficult to breathe, especially when they’re asleep.

In order to decongestion the nostrils, there are many different products available in pharmacies. However  the use of a saline solution is the most recommended because of its effectiveness and safeness.

Saline solution or physiological serum is a substance made up basically of salt and water. It is used to hidrate the nostrils and clear up obstructing mucus.

Throat pain and dryness

To mitigate the pain and dryness of the throat when your child is sick, offer them lots of liquids to drink: water above all and fruit juices.

Water is useful in order to eliminate toxins that have built up in the body and in order to reduce the concentration of secretions.

Cough

Coughing is one of the common symptoms of a cold. And coughing can be very irritating especially when around bedtime.

Some mothers give their children antihistamines in order to alleviate the cough But it is very important to be aware that when coughing is caused by the flu, it is advised parents stay away from giving their children antihistamines because it could increase nasal secretions.

If your child is coughing, opt for homemade remedies that are harmless and effective. The most recommended remedies are the following:

• The application of warm towels around the chest
• Warm drinks: Oregano infusion, lemon tea, thyme infusion, chocolate with honey (prepared with water and with no milk)
• Honey and lemon

How to take care of  a cold

It’s important to keep your child away from cold environments and humidity. You should keep your child in a room that is well ventilated and that does not retain humidity. Cover them properly and even more during the winter time.

Make them some chicken soup. Chicken soup contains many nutrientes that strengthen the immune system.

Chicken soup is light and easily digested. When eaten warm it even helps in the decongestion of the respiratory system.

When it is time to sleep, lift their pillow slightly for their head to be a bit more elevated and this alleviates nasal blockage.

Offer citrus, other fruits and food rich in vitamin C in order to help their immune system to rebuild its defenses in order to fight the cold.