The cold is one of the most frequent viral infections of the winter months. How to best face it and counter it in a natural way?
Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerousThe common cold is one of the most frequent viral infections of the winter months, and often affects children as well. How to best deal with this disease and how to fight it naturally?
Index
What is a cold?
Il cold it is caused by viruses belonging to the rhinovirus strain, and it spreads particularly in the cold season thanks to the sudden changes in temperature to which we expose ourselves (passing from the heated houses to the outside, where there is a more rigid temperature), but also for the the fact that closed environments are frequented more, in which contagion occurs more easily. Obviously, children are more sensitive to the virus than adults as their immune systems are not yet equipped with enough antibodies to fight the infection.
The most common cold symptoms are stuffy nose, with the presence of clear (serous) or yellowish (mucous) secretions, sneezing, cough and sore throat, headache, tiredness and sleepiness; occasionally you may have a few febrile episodes. Colds usually last 3-4 days and often resolve without the use of medicines, but be careful to underestimate it: it can often be just the first phase of a major respiratory tract infection, which can have serious consequences - such as bronchiolitis (infantile bronchitis), sinusitis or otitis.
To do
- Free nose. Use mucus suction pumps to keep the respiratory tract clean and washings with physiological solution to facilitate the elimination of mucus: the latter can be carried out with a syringe (without needle) filled with physiological solution, or using devices that are available in pharmacies. It is also possible to use the hot vapors of the aerosol (to be used only on the prescription of the pediatrician).
- Head raised. To prevent the baby from suffocating with his own muchi, we avoid placing him lying down in a completely horizontal position - it is better to raise his head with a couple of pillows to allow him to rest peacefully.
- Constant hydration. The intake of warm or hot liquids allows to keep the mucus fluid and promote its expulsion: if the child is old enough, we can try to make him drink a hot herbal tea (chamomile is fine too) with a teaspoon of honey, from the strong antibacterial and disinfectant power. Hydration also comes from the frequent consumption of fruit and vegetables, perhaps in the form of purees or soups.
- Antipyretic drugs. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be used, always on the advice of a doctor, to relieve malaise and possibly bring down the fever if present. The use of antibiotic medications for colds alone is not recommended.
- Rest at home. It is good that our child stays at home for a few days (not necessarily in bed), away from cold and atmospheric phenomena. It is also important to keep him away from other children to prevent them from being exposed to germs.
What to avoid
- Mucolytic syrups. They are often unnecessary, especially if the child is able to expel mucus from the nose. In any case, they are not recommended for very young children (under two years of age), because they are harmful to their health.
- Chicken soup. Unfortunately, there is no scientific evidence or studies to support the popular theory that chicken or hen broth helps heal a cold! As we have already said, it is better to opt for pureed vegetables and soups, to fill up with vitamins and water and favor the fluidification of the mucus.
- Vitamin C-based supplements. These can be effective in the prevention of seasonal ailments, if taken in the winter months, but are of little use when the cold has already been contracted.
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Source: Bambino Gesù Hospital
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