Colds & Blocked Noses
If your child has become uncharacteristically irritable with a high temperature and a runny nose then they may be fighting off an infection with the common cold.
A cold is a mild illness caused by one of over 200 different viruses. The virus spreads as your child breathes in airborne droplets produced when people infected with a cold virus cough, sneeze or talk, and by contact with infected surfaces (e.g. on hands, used tissues etc).
In the UK, colds are more common during the winter and adults generally catch up to 4 colds a year. However, because infants have little resistance to infections, they can be unfortunate enough to have as many as 12 colds a year.
How will I know if my child has a cold?
A cold can cause a runny or blocked nose, sore throat and a headache. Infants may be irritable and a blocked nose can make feeding difficult. In some cases, a cough and a mild temperature occur (see Fever).
What else might it be?
Influenza viruses may also produce similar but more severe symptoms. Flu is often associated with a fever, shivering, headaches, aching muscles, discomfort and loss of appetite. Infants may be lethargic and not feeding well. Any infant with these symptoms who is not feeding well will need to see a doctor, as there is a possibility of a more serious illness.
If your child's nose is only running from one nostril, the discharge is smelly or contains blood, there may be an object stuck in the infant's nose.
Hay fever (Allergic Rhinitis) causes a more watery discharge from the nose, but this is usually accompanied by an itchy nose and sneezing. The eyes may be watery and itchy too (see Conjunctivitis).
What to expect:
Colds usually last about a week and get better of their own accord. However, you may find your child has difficulty feeding with a blocked or runny nose and if this is the case then they may become dehydrated. Children are also more susceptible to secondary infections such as conjunctivitis, bronchitis, pneumonia and ear infections.
Prevention
Cold viruses spread easily, especially amongst children. If you have a very young child it may be a good idea to ask adults who are suffering and other parents with infected children to avoid contact with your child as much as possible and remind everyone to:
- use paper tissues to wipe their nose and cover their face when coughing or sneezing, and put used tissues in the waste bin
- wash their hands after sneezing or blowing their nose
How to Treat:
We all feel miserable when we have a cold and your child is no different. There is no cure for the common cold, and antibiotics are not suitable because colds are caused by a virus and antibiotics don't work against viruses. However you can help relieve some of your child's symptoms using a variety of medicines.
Oral Ibuprofen (suitable for children from 3 months, over 5kg) is available from your pharmacist or supermarket, and can provide effective relief. Nurofen for Children is a pleasant tasting (orange or strawberry flavour) ibuprofen suspension available in either single use sachets or a bottle which comes with an easy dosing syringe: and both are colour and sugar free.
Oral Paracetamol can provide effective relief from aches, pains, sore throat and fever and most children are able to take it with few or no problems. Disprol Paracetamol Suspension is suitable for children from 3 months and is sugar and colour free.
Decongestants can be helpful for providing relief for babies as well as children. When babies get a cold it can be particularly hard for the parents and the child as they breathe through their noses not their mouth. This means a blocked nose can disrupt both eating and sleeping routines. Karvol has been specifically formulated to help children breathe more easily and therefore help them sleep more soundly. It contains a unique combination of aromatic oils including pine, cinnamon and menthol and it is these natural vapours that, once released, ease congestion and aid easy breathing. Karvol is available in a number of different formats.
Karvol Decongestant Capsules are an easy to use format offering a measured dose, providing you with the added reassurance that they are giving the right amount. At night the contents of the capsules can be placed onto bedding or a hankerchief nearby, but avoiding direct skin contact. It is suitable for use from 3 months, always read the label.
Karvol Vaporiser is a unique plug-in that releases Karvol vapours to help promote clear and easy breathing. It is also safe for use with children due to its unique & patented childproof locking system. Refils are also available.
Karvol Decongestant Drops provide a convenient dropper bottle format for the more experienced parents. For babies over 3 months, squeeze the capsule contents onto a handkerchief secured nearby, but out of reach of the child. For older children and adults, place up to six drops onto bedding or a handkerchief nearby, or put into a pint of hot water and inhale the vapours with care.
Karvol Vapour Rub can be rubbed onto the chest of children over 6 months, gently helping clear, easy breathing. It is ideal for use during the day and can be re-applied before bedtime as necessary.
For older children, sore throats can be soothed by giving them a lozenge to suck. Some lozenges just soothe the throat, but others (such as Strepsils Honey & Lemon) also contains antiseptics to help fight the bacteria which can cause sore throats. (Suitable from use from 6 years onwards, always read the label). If you are a smoker, avoid smoking in the same room as your child.
Other tips:
- If your baby is too young to blow their nose they'll need you to help keep it clear. You can ask your doctor for salt water nose drops to soften any crusty mucus.
- Give babies smaller and more frequent feeds to help keep him hydrated.
- Keep it clean - the whole family should clean their hands regularly with antiseptic handwashes such as Dettol antibacterial liquid handwash to help wash away infected secretions and stop the virus from spreading.
Click here for more information on Dettol, Disprol, Karvol, Nurofen for Children or Strepsils
