If a child has developed a cold and cough, it is not due to getting chilled but most likely caused by viruses. Children suffer from upper respiratory viral infections 6-12 times a year, leading to up to 10 sick weeks in total.
Why does a cold and cough occur, how to treat a cold and cough, and when should you see a doctor? How can you treat a cold with home remedies? These and many other questions are covered in this comprehensive overview.
What causes a cold and cough in children?
The most common causes of cold and cough in children are upper respiratory viral infections. Viruses are particularly active during the fall and winter seasons and infect the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, which is why they are commonly referred to as cold illnesses. It is important to know that so-called cold illnesses are not caused by getting chilled, but by various viruses.
Cough and cold can be caused by over a hundred different viruses, with rhinoviruses being the most common. In addition to rhinoviruses, many other viruses can infect the upper respiratory tract. Such viruses include coronaviruses, influenza viruses, parainfluenza viruses, RSV viruses, adenoviruses, and more. The abundance of viruses explains why children suffer from viral infections again and again.
How do viruses spread?
The most typical way of viral infection is inhaling viral particles or through unwashed hands. Viral particles are found everywhere where an infected person has sneezed or coughed. Viruses can remain viable on surfaces for hours to days. To reduce the spread of infection, it is important to regularly ventilate indoor spaces, disinfect surfaces, and wash hands frequently.
What is the course of viral infections?
The symptoms of cold illnesses – runny nose and cough – do not appear immediately when a child is infected with a virus. The runny nose and cough usually develop within 12 hours of infection. Sometimes, the incubation period may be longer. A child becomes contagious to others during the incubation period, even when they appear perfectly healthy. This explains why viruses spread so widely in kindergartens and schools.
How to recognize viral cold in a child?
A child’s cold, or inflammation of the nasal mucosa, is a common companion during the fall and winter. A viral cold is recognizable on the first day by reddened nostrils and watery discharge. A viral cold is preceded by headaches, fatigue, sneezing, and fever.
On the second or third day, the cold becomes thicker and yellowish-green. Due to swelling, the nasal discharge may not flow out easily, and it may spread to the respiratory tract, causing coughing.
What is the effective treatment for a cold in children?
The most important aspect of cold treatment is strengthening the immune system, as a strong immune system enables the body to perform most of the healing itself. The child’s immune system is effectively supported by Vitamin D, Vitamin C, and Zinc.
A viral cold usually resolves within a week and does not require special treatment. Preventing complications is the most important. Children should learn to blow their nose correctly – one nostril at a time. It is important to alleviate the symptoms of the cold to make the child feel better:
- use saline sprays to rinse the nose
- apply a chest rub before bedtime, as the vapors help ease breathing
- elevate the head of the bed for sleeping
- keep the room air slightly more humid than usual
- use disposable tissues
- use a vaporizer (steam for the cold)
- use a nasal inhaler
- essential oils for inhalation: eucalyptus oil, lemon oil, peppermint oil, tea tree oil, pine oil, lavender oil, etc.
- drink plenty of fluids – clean water, juice, herbal tea.
If the child has no fever, they can go outside, as cool air also helps reduce nasal mucosa swelling.
Foot bath for cold relief
A foot bath is also a way to make cold treatment more effective. Warm foot baths help against a cold because:
- they help reduce nasal congestion
- they improve blood circulation
- they help with relaxation
Here are some tips for foot baths to make cold treatment more effective:
- Fill the bath with warm water (around 38°C).
- Add a few drops of essential oil, such as eucalyptus or tea tree oil.
- Let the child keep their feet in the bath for about 10 minutes.
- After the foot bath, dry the child’s feet and put on warm socks.
It is important to note that foot baths should not be done when the child has a fever, as warm water can raise the body temperature.
When should you see a doctor for a cold?
- If the cold lasts for more than 2 weeks without improvement
- If discharge comes only from one nostril for several days
- If nasal congestion persists for a long time
Effective cold treatment helps prevent complications
Timely and effective treatment of a young child’s cold helps avoid complications. With a weakened immune system and prolonged cold, complications like sinus infections, ear infections, sinusitis, chronic cold, and meningitis can develop.
How to recognize viral cough?
Coughing is a protective mechanism of the body that helps clear the airways. Viral cough typically starts as a dry, irritating cough and becomes more productive after a few days. The cough usually lasts for more than a week. In some cases, recovery from a virus-related cough can take up to 8 weeks.
How to help a child with a cough?
For dry cough, swelling and drying of the mucous membranes occur. To relieve dry cough, offer the child a drink that helps moisten the mucous membranes and thin the mucus.
Clearing the nose from the cold helps keep the airways open. Coughing irritation is also caused by nasal secretions that drip down into the throat. Breathing through the mouth causes dryness in the mucous membranes and contributes to coughing.
For a productive cough, a lot of mucus is produced in the lungs, which needs to be coughed out. This is important to prevent new infections from developing.
When should you see a doctor for a cough?
- If the child is breathing heavily or with difficulty
- If the cough lasts longer than 3 weeks
What is laryngitis?
In some children, a cold can be accompanied by acute laryngitis (inflammation of the larynx). Laryngitis causes the cough to become hoarse and barking. Inhalation becomes difficult and raspy. If breathing becomes labored, it is important to contact a doctor immediately.
What is whooping cough?
Whooping cough is an acute respiratory infection characterized by persistent and even weeks-long coughing fits. Symptoms of whooping cough are similar to those of a cold – runny nose, cough, sneezing, and sore throat. The disease usually worsens at night.
In Estonia, whooping cough is relatively common among schoolchildren. As a result, children aged 6-7 and 15-17 are also vaccinated, in addition to infants.
Sore throat and pharyngitis
Pharyngitis is caused by infection in the tonsils and the mucosa of the throat. Sore throat and pharyngitis often accompany upper respiratory viral infections. The most common viruses causing pharyngitis are rhinoviruses, influenza, and adenoviruses.
Which remedy to choose for a cold and cough?
There is a wide selection of remedies on pharmacy shelves to alleviate the symptoms of colds, and when choosing the right medication, it is advisable to consult your doctor or pharmacist. When alleviating symptoms, it is important to know whether the child has a runny or blocked nose, whether they are suffering from a dry or productive cough, and whether the cold is accompanied by a sore throat and fever.
Cold treatments often include over-the-counter medications that reduce mucosal swelling, which are usually sprayed into the nose. These provide relief but do not cure the cold. It is important to know that nasal sprays containing xylometazoline should not be used for more than 3-5 days, as they excessively dry out the nasal mucosa.
There are also over-the-counter syrups and tablets containing pseudoephedrine available, but they are not suitable for children under 12. Additionally, pseudoephedrine may cause agitation, sleep disturbances, hallucinations, an increased heart rate, and drowsiness in children.
What is the effective and safe treatment for colds?
For cold treatment, cough relief, and sore throat treatment, natural remedies are essential. Natural ingredients can be used for a longer period starting from the first symptoms until the end of the illness. It is important to know that a quick response prevents serious complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis.
From the age of 6, the following remedies provide effective relief for colds, coughs, and sore throats:
Citrus bioflavonoids
Citrus bioflavonoids are excellent for alleviating a cold, especially synephrine, which is extracted from bitter orange. Synephrine from bitter orange keeps your nose clear and airways open. Synephrine is a natural and gentler analogue of pseudoephedrine (the main active ingredient in common cold tablets) and does not cause dependence with long-term use.
Pelargonium extract
Pelargonium extract effectively alleviates respiratory issues naturally. Pelargonium prevents the virus from settling in your nasal mucosa and makes it difficult for already established viruses to multiply – reducing the duration and severity of upper respiratory infections.
Indian gooseberry
Indian gooseberry protects the nasal mucosa and supports respiratory health naturally. Indian gooseberry has antiviral and antibacterial properties. It has been proven that Indian gooseberry helps speed up recovery from cold symptoms – runny nose, sore throat, and cough – by preventing virus multiplication on mucous membranes.
Essential oils
The variety of essential oils and their therapeutic properties is impressive. Essential oils quickly and effectively relieve cold symptoms. The most effective oils include peppermint, lemon, and eucalyptus oils. Essential oils help keep the nose clear and allow for free breathing.
A healthy child is a happy child!
