Common Cold is caused because of upper respiratory
system infection due to cold virus. This infection
affects parts such as ears, nose and throat. There are
about two hundred known viruses which are responsible
for common cold, out of which rhinovirus is the most
common. Because of this great number of viruses, there
isn’t any shot or vaccination available which helps in
preventing cold. The best solution to the cold is human
body immune system. Majority of a child’s visit to the
doctor will be because of cold. According to an
estimate, a child catches cold nearly eight times in a
year and each time it last up to a week or so.
Cold viruses usually spread by sneeze or cough from the
infected person. The wet and slimy substance inside the
nose, called mucus, is the carrier of the virus. When a
person cough or sneeze, the mucus drops come out of the
mouth and when other persons breaths in these droplets
they catch cold. Cold can also spread by handling of
contaminated stuffs like towel, door knobs, school desk,
etc. If a person touches a contaminated towel and then
touches his nose or eyes, there is a great chance of
getting an infection. Therefore, it is a good habit to
wash the hands regularly and keep them germ-free.
The cold viruses have docking points which helps it to
stick to the interior of the nose. It then controls the
nose’s cell lining and begins to multiply into more
viruses. White cells are responsible to fight these
viruses inside the nose. They even kill them and finally
get victory after seven days. Sneeze and runny nose
actually prevent the viruses to affect the rest of the
body parts. A person sneezes when the nerves inside the
nose detect irritation and take the help of the lungs to
push them out by letting out a blast of air through the
mouth and the nose. The air, while sneezing, comes out
at the speed of hundred miles per hour faster than cars
on the road.
Once the child contracts cold viruses, they take two to
three days to develop and show symptoms. There are many
symptoms of cold. The child becomes cranky. He will
complain of headache, blocked nose, cough, sneeze, sore
throat, muscle ache, nasal cavity congestion and will
become exhausted. Low fever can also accompany, along
with body chills. Medicines do not speed up the process
of healing as the viruses complete their cycle
irrespective of the intake. But they do suppress further
growth and make the child feel better.
Children shouldn’t take any medicines on their own,
thinking that it’s just a cold. Parents should supervise
the dosage and medicine being taken. And in turn, the
parents should follow a doctor’s prescription.
Decongestants help to decrease the wise of the swollen
nose lining, which makes breathing easier.
Antihistamines help to dry the mucus and stops sneezes
and runny noses. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be
given if the child is experiencing headache and muscle
ache.
At home, parents should give hot food and drink to the
child as they help to soothe soar throats and coughs.
The heat also clears up the mucus. Chicken soup is an
age old remedy for common cold. Steamy showers are
another good option as they help with stuffy nose. Itchy
eyes, scratchy throat and stuffy throats can also be
treated with humidifiers which spray cool and fine mist.
They also loosen the mucus. The nose should be blown
regularly to let the mucus out of the body. It is a good
idea to use disposable tissues instead of regular
handkerchiefs. Complete bed rest for a day or two is
greatly suggested.
The best precaution that can be taken is eating healthy
food and balanced diet so as to strengthen the immune
system. The child must exercise regularly in order to
stay fir and sleep adequately. Children who are stressed
out more frequently are more prone to have cold.
Therefore, it is good if the kid takes extra rest and
goes to bed early on some days. And when the child is
suffering from cold, he should relax and take bed rest
as much as possible.
