runny noses
Colds are mainly caused by rhinoviruses and are spread by coughing and sneezing. When you have a cold, your nose makes large quantities of mucus to help wash germs from the nose and sinuses.
The runny nose usually starts with clear mucus which becomes whitish or yellowish green as the cold starts to dry up and get better.
Children can get up to eight colds per year. Coughing, sneezing, a mild fever, sore throat, watery eyes and loss of appetite often accompany a runny nose.
antibiotics are for secondary infections
Anibiotics are preserved for serious secondary bacterial infections such as sinuitis, ear infections or pneumonia.
Signs that could indicate a secondary infection, and that you need to take your child to the doctor, include an unusually long illness (i.e. more than 10 days), deteriorating symptoms, persistent high fevers, earache, worsening cough and vomiting.
Taking antibiotics unnecessarily can be harmful. Each antibiotic course has the potential to encourage resistant bacteria that are harder to kill in the future. Some antibiotics can also cause tummy upsets and skin rashes.
symptom relief
Symptom relief is the best approach. The following may help soften the effects while your child’s body fights it naturally:
- A children's pain relief medication can help your child’s headache and fever as well as a sore throat.
- Nasal decongestants may unblock the nose as may a mist vaporiser and regular nose blowing.
- Keep the bedroom well aired.
- Give plenty of fluids – warm lemon and honey drinks, fed by you on a spoon, may help boost fluids and also give vitamin C.
- Plenty of rest and sleep.
the immune system
A strong immune system can help prevent infection. So give your children lots of exercise, a healthy diet and ensure they get plenty of good sleep.
Colds are easily passed on from coughing, sneezing, inhaling tiny droplets, poor ventilation, sharing of mouthed toys and from touching things. Teach your child to cover both the nose and the mouth when coughing and sneezing.
Also, always wash your hands and your child’s hands often and thoroughly.
Dr Catherine Cearns, General Practitioner
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