colds, croup & bronchiolitis - Choice Pharmacy

During the winter months most families will be affected
by the common cold. Colds are caused by viruses and
spread by touch and droplets through the air, making it
easy for the whole family to become infected.
Don’t forget
that because
colds are caused
by viruses, they
can't be treated
with antibiotics.
Babies and young children are the most
vulnerable to viruses because their immune
systems haven't fully developed. Most of the
natural immunity inherited from mum via
the placenta is lost by the age of six months.
Babies are often prone to colds during the
first winter following this. As babies and
young children grow older, their immunity
matures and they usually catch less colds
and infections.
The average child has between four and twelve upper
respiratory tract infections a year. With the peak incidence
between the ages of one to six years old.
Because colds are caused by viruses, they can't be treated
with antibiotics. The only way to treat a cold is to address its
symptoms and let the body's own immunity fight off the virus.
The signs and symptoms
Symptoms of a cold may include sneezing, watery eyes, dry
irritable cough, slightly raised temperature, watery runny nose
or blocked stuffy nose. In babies and infants a blocked nose
can be extremely distressing, as they find it difficult to breathe
through their mouths. This is especially so at feeding time,
because a baby can't suck and breathe at the same time.
Your baby's usual feeding pattern will generally become
disrupted. They may
be unsettled, irritable,
tired or lethargic. Allow
your baby to take as
much milk or fluids as
they can. Solid foods
become of secondary
importance.
Mucus may sometimes be seen in your baby's vomit and even in
their bowel motions (as babies can't blow their noses the mucus
is swallowed and digested). This is quite normal, but if you notice
blood with the mucus see your doctor immediately.
Having a cold can lower the body's immunity, making it vulnerable
to secondary infections, like middle ear infections, tonsillitis or
bronchitis. These all require medical attention.
When to see your doctor
You should see your doctor if:
- Your baby has a temperature over 38ºC, or lasting longer than 24
hours.
- Your baby has a persistent cough, or a cough that becomes moist
and rattly.
- Your baby's nasal mucus becomes thick, yellow or green in colour.
- Your baby's cold lasts longer than a week, or worsens.
- You're concerned about your baby's health and condition.
- Your baby is having any difficulty breathing or if there is a wheeze
present.
Treating the symptoms
- Clean your baby's nostrils before each feed, using a small
piece of cotton wool slightly moistened with warm water.
- A Paediatric Nasal Aspirator can be used to remove
excess nasal mucus.
- Fess Nasal Spray can be used as often as necessary. Fess is a
buffered saline spray. Because it's not medicated it's
safe to use from birth. Fess will help to dislodge and thin
nasal mucus, allowing your baby to breathe easier.
- Raise the head of the bassinette by placing a rolled towel
underneath the mattress. Only make the bed half way up
from the bottom so your baby will not slide under the covers.
- Use a vaporiser, especially at night, to moisturise and warm
the air. The soothing medicated steam will help unblock the
nose and make breathing easier.
- Paracetamol can be given to lower any raised temperatures
and ease irritability. Never exceed the recommended dose.
- Dimetapp / Demazin / Paedamin may be given, with your
doctor's advice, to dry up nasal secretions.
- If your baby has a cough, it's best not to suppress
it. Coughing is the body's way of keeping the chest
clear of mucus. Very few cough suppressants or
expectorants are suitable for children under two
years old.
Croup
Croup is an infantile form of laryngitis. It is usually caused by a
virus and is most common in cooler conditions. This infection
causes inflammation of the larynx (voice box) and trachea
(windpipe) by creating thick mucus that narrows and blocks the
airways.
Croup usually affects young children under three years old,
because of their small, soft, immature windpipes.
The symptoms
The symptoms usually start off with a sore throat, followed by a
decreased appetite and possible temperature. A cough will then
develop. The characteristic croup cough sounds very frightening.