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Bronchiolitis and other cold-related problems in children in winter -
Even adults like us can get cold problems at any time, so, naturally children will fall in cold problem easily.
When my children were young, they often suffered from
cold-related problems. Cough - fever - runny nose. I was very scared because
this happened repeatedly. I couldn't believe doctor's assurance -I thought - 'I
am a mother, the doctor is not telling me the right problem, otherwise why do
my children get cold problems so often'.
The reason for my fear is - I knew the names of
bronchiolitis, pneumonia, common cold, asthma, etc., but I could not identify
them separately. After a few days, I myself would fall ill due to mental
anxiety. I went to the doctor after doctor with my children - I experienced it
later.
Cold and asthma - completely different things - I also
learned this much later. It's good to know these little things to avoid
unnecessary worries and live a healthy life. You won't have to run to the
doctor or home like I did.
Experts say - Colds/coughs in children also increase
with the winter. Children of different ages cough for various reasons. However,
in most cases of children under two years of age, bronchiolitis is the main
cause. It is mainly a viral disease. This problem is caused by the respiratory
syncytial virus. However, in some cases, human metapneumo virus, parainfluenza
virus and adenovirus are also responsible for this disease.
Many people mistake bronchiolitis for pneumonia. These
two diseases are not the same. We can compare the lungs to an upside-down tree.
If the leaves of this tree become inflamed, it is called pneumonia, and if the
leaf tips become inflamed, it is called bronchiolitis.
In bronchiolitis, the child may have a slight cold and
cough for the first 2/3 days, accompanied by a low fever. Usually, these
symptoms subside within 3/4 days. No special treatment is required. However, a
little more care and awareness are needed.
Keep the child in a place where there is a flow of
light and air. Do not keep the house closed all the time because it is cold. Do
not wrap the child in extra clothes. Do not wear heavy clothes but wear light
clothes in several layers. If the child sweats, change the clothes immediately
and wipe the sweat. If the nose is blocked, putting drops of 0.9 percent saline
in the nose reduces the problem.
Breastfeed the child frequently. Cold-cough-breathing
can last up to 2/3 weeks in bronchitis. Seek medical attention immediately if
the chest ribs are lowered and in some cases the child turns blue, otherwise
the problem will become bigger.
To diagnose the disease or identify the problem -
The doctor said - Usually no tests are needed. However, a white blood cell count and chest X-ray may be needed to understand if there are any other complications.
Treatment -
Most children with bronchiolitis can be treated at home. At this time, healthy children should be kept away from children with bronchiolitis. The child should be kept away from cigarettes, mosquito coils and kitchen smoke.
The child should be kept in an open area during the
day when the sun is shining. Paracetamol can be used for fever and normal salt water
saline can be used if the nose is blocked. However, Vicks and Balm cannot be
given - the doctor said.
Frequent
colds and coughs in children -
‘Common cold’ is an inflammation of the upper
respiratory tract. This problem is mainly caused by viral infections. There are
more than 200 types of rhinovirus, influenza, parainfluenza and numerous
viruses responsible for the common cold. This disease can occur throughout the
year. However, the prevalence of this disease is higher in the post-monsoon
season (August-October) and at the end of spring (April-May).
Children can suffer from colds and coughs six to eight
times a year. Some children are affected frequently - even every month.
However, as they grow older, the rate of infection usually decreases to two to
three times a year.
The symptoms of the common cold depend on the age of
the child and the type of germ. Sore throat, dry cough, nasal congestion, runny
nose are the main symptoms. The sore throat subsides quickly, but nasal
symptoms continue to increase. Then the cough begins, which can last for about
one to two weeks. It may be accompanied by headaches, altered voice,
restlessness, insomnia, loss of appetite, tastelessness and nausea.
The lining of the nostrils may become red. As
complications develop, some children may develop earaches, sinusitis and
asthma.
Regarding
what to do, the doctor said ---
1. There is actually no specific medicine for frequent
colds and coughs in children. The child should be given more water, liquid food
should be given frequently. Nutritional needs should be met and attention
should be paid to ensuring that the body does not become dehydrated.
2. Saline drops can be given to the nose if the nose
is blocked. However, other nose drops should not be used for children under six
years of age and for a long time.
3. Cough syrups available in the market are basically
a mixture of antihistamines, antitussives and decongestants. Their use is
prohibited in children under six years of age.
4. Usually, older children do not have fever in case
of colds and coughs. However, if there is fever and sore throat, paracetamol
can be taken according to weight. Aspirin-like medicines are prohibited in
colds and fevers. This is because it can cause the complicated 'Rey syndrome
(swelling of the liver and brain)'.
5. First-generation antihistamines can be given in the
right dose for a short period of time to relieve cough. Feeding 5 to 10
milliliters of safe honey to children over 1 year of age helps reduce cough at
night. However, it is better not to feed honey to children under one year of
age. Lemon water, basil leaf juice are helpful in relieving cough in children.
6. Since the virus can enter the nose or respiratory
tract through the hands, frequent hand washing reduces the risk of disease.
Know the awareness issues and help a child to lead
a healthy life.
