Coughs and nose problems are very common in children and make sleeping very difficult and unless your child lives in an environment completely free from outside contact, it’s a pretty sure bet your baby will have both. There are actually several different causes of these two problems. You will also find a ton of medical treatments and herbal supplements to help with these two symptoms of a cold. The Number One Cause of Babies’ Coughs and Runny Noses
Unless it’s an allergy, the most common cause for a cough and a runny nose is the common cold virus. It is virtually guaranteed that your baby will get a cold during the first year of his or her life. There are simply too many places to pick up the virus. This is especially true if your child attends a day care center or other child care environment. Even the cleanest child care facility cannot completely control the spread of a cold. School age children can also bring it home to the baby, as can the parents, grandparents, or family friends.
Other Causes
After the common cold, allergies are the cause of coughing and runny noses. A sinus infection or the flu can also be responsible. It’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of a cold so you may know when the cough or runny nose is a symptom of something more severe. Classic Signs and Symptoms of a Baby Cold
A baby may have a cough, a thick congestion from the nose, a low grade fever, sneezing, or red, watery eyes. Sometimes, your child may be suffering from allergies, if the discharge from the noise is clear and thin. Ask your doctor about potential allergies. He may suggest an allergy medicine if the baby is old enough.
If the cold has settled into the chest, coughing may start before the runny nose. There are several things that you can do to ease these symptoms and make your child more comfortable.
Treating a Baby Cough and Nose
If your baby is less than three months old, you’ll need to speak with the pediatrician if there are any signs of breathing difficulties or a high fever. For older babies, you can only help reduce the symptoms and make them a little more comfortable.
One of the first things to remember is to give plenty of fluids. This will help thin the mucus and keep control coughing. If your doctor agrees, you may want to give a bottle of water in between feedings.
If your child is under the age of two, you should avoid fever or pain medications. A low grade fever is the body’s way of fighting the virus. Recent studies have shown that cough medications can be fatal to some children under two. Make sure you speak with your doctor before administering any of this type of medication.
A humidifier can help ease the cough, as it adds moisture to the air. If you don’t have one, then sit in the bathroom with the door closed. Turn the shower on hot (keep your baby away from the spray) and allow the steam to build up. This can help loosen baby congestion, which will also help with coughing.
For a baby runny nose, saline drops work well to help thin thick mucus. You may also have to suck out the mucus with a ball syringe. This will make it much easier for your baby to breathe and will help the drainage down the back of their throats. Some babies may actually vomit if there is a lot of mucus drainage. Saline drops also work well with an infant stuffy nose. Many parents use a Nasal Aspirator, myself included, to clear a stuffy nose. Here is a link to the best selling Nosefrida aspirator
The Croup
Many babies and young children will get the croup. This condition is most often caused by the para-influenza virus. This cough almost sounds like a barking seal and can make just about everyone in the home miserable. Once again, sitting in a steam filled room will help alleviate the symptoms. This condition is occasionally treated with steroids, but normally can be treated at home.
Prevention
Prevention is really rather simple. Keep babies and children away from those people that have a cold. Teach good hand washing techniques to your family members and have others wash their hands before picking up the baby. Teach your children to cough or sneeze into a Kleenex, rather than in the air or in their hands. If your child has a cold, keep them out of daycare, when possible.
In Closing
An infant cold can make your baby miserable. However, seldom are coughs and runny noses serious. Medical advice can often help to alleviate your fears. If you have questions or concerns, don’t be afraid to contact your pediatrician. It’s always better to error on the side of caution, even if it’s only for your peace of mind.
