Cold can make babies fussy. A runny nose and temperature leave them vexed. It is also quite difficult to provide them some relief from cold as the babies can’t be given just about any medication. Which is why care and nourishment become extra vital during this infection. MomJunction acquaints you with everything about cold, its symptoms, and the various home remedies to tackle the condition.
What Causes Common Cold In Babies?
The common cold is a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory system. It is also known by other names such as a head cold. There are over 100 viruses that can cause cold, below we list the most common viruses that cause cold in infants:
- Rhinovirus is the leading cause of common cold infection among babies. An average baby may develop about eight to ten rhinovirus-induced colds in the first couple of years of their life. The frequency of colds due to the virus increases if the baby spends substantial time at daycare centers.
- Adenovirus predominantly spreads in crowded environments. Therefore, it mostly strikes babies that spend time in packed daycare centers or among older infants that visit summer camps.
- Respiratory syncytial virus, also called RSV, causes the most severe symptoms. It is the leading cause of the common cold during winter and spring.
- The influenza virus, also called flu, is highly contagious and can transmit even when an infected person sneezes or coughs about six feet away (7). The virus also spreads through contaminated surfaces. Cold is among the several symptoms of influenza.
- Coronavirus is a relatively less common cause for cold, but when it strikes, it can lead to a fatal illness called Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, also known as SARS.
There are several viruses that cause cold, but what parents must know is how the baby would suffer due to these infections.
How Does Cold Affect Babies?
The symptoms of cold in babies are similar irrespective of the virus that is causing it. An infant will have these symptoms:
- Runny nose – drip of clear mucus that later thickens and becomes green or yellow
- Frequent sneezing
- Coughing and congestion in the lungs
- Fever of 101-102°F (38.3-38.9°C) especially in the evening
- Red watery eyes
- Decreased appetite
- Irritability and fussiness
- Difficulty in falling asleep
- Chills and shivering
- Vomiting (in a case of flu)
- Diarrhea (in a case of flu and SARS)
Take your baby to the doctor since cold can interfere with daily activities such as sleeping and feeding. A blood test helps determine the underlying pathogen that led to the cold.
How Is Cold Treated In Babies?
There is no treatment for the common cold, and like any other viral infection, one has to wait for the immune system to fight the pathogen on its own. Medications usually aim at relieving the intensity of the symptoms rather than curing the condition. Here is how cold in babies is treated:
- Antiviral medicines are typically prescribed only when the cold is due to serious viruses such as coronavirus and influenza. These medications slow down the rate of multiplication of the virus, thus buying time for the immune system. Antiviral medicines often have side effects and may not be prescribed unless the infant is in a poor state of health due to the cold.
- Fever-reducing medications only help ease the fever and do not cure a cold. Reducing fever, in turn, helps the baby feel at ease. Fever-reducing medications, such as acetaminophen/paracetamol (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil), are available over-the-counter (OTC), but should be administered as per the pediatrician’s prescription. Never give aspirin since it causes Reye syndrome, a fatal condition in babies.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends against giving any OTC cold or fever-reducing medicines to babies without a pediatrician’s consultation. Nevertheless, parents can always rely on safe, natural, home remedies to help the baby deal with the virus.
Are There Any Home Remedies For Infant’s Cold?
Yes, home remedies are an excellent way of managing the baby’s cold. They help in cutting down the intensity of the symptoms significantly, making the condition more tolerable for an infant:
1. Increase the frequency of breastfeeding:
Breastmilk is rich in antibodies and nutrients that boost the baby’s immune system. In case of cold in newborns, like those who are a few weeks old, breastmilk is perhaps the best natural remedy for the infant’s cold.
2. Give frequent sips of water:
If the baby is older than six months, then you can give frequent sips of water. If the baby has a sore throat, fluids help moisturize the throat and make the baby feel better. Thickened mucus is also softened with regular intake of water.
3. Use nasal suction bulb or nasal spray:
Breathing can become difficult because of the accumulated mucus in the baby’s nose. You can pour a drop of nasal saline drops in each nostril. Use a rubber nasal suction bulb, clean it well, and insert the suction tip into the baby’s nose. Gently press the bulb to draw the mucus out. Express the collected mucus into a sink and wash the bulb with a disinfectant. Repeat whenever the mucus accumulates and the baby seems to have trouble breathing. In the case of older infants, saline drops can make the thickened mucus dribble out of the nostril.
4. Use a humidifier:
Install a cool-mist humidifier in the baby’s room to maintain optimum humidity levels. This will help the baby breathe easily. Place the device close to the baby’s crib, but well beyond physical reach. Do not use steam or hot water vaporizers as steam increases the risk of nasal burns.
5. Give warm food:
You could give older infants warm food such as freshly-prepared baby cereal porridge. Warm foods soothe a sore throat, reduce coughing, and alleviate irritation caused by a constant, runny nose.
6. Fruit and vegetable purees help build resistance:
These foods are rich in antioxidants that play a vital role in putting up a resistance against pathogens. Vitamins A and C are especially useful in boosting the immune system’s prowess. If your baby is older than 12 months, then you can give him citrus fruits that are rich in vitamin C and fruits such as mango that contain vitamin A.
7. Give honey (only 12 months and above):
Cough is among the symptoms of a cold. Experts recommend honey as a safe home remedy for cough but only for babies older than 12 months . Give no more than half a teaspoon of honey whenever the baby breaks into continuous coughing. Always ensure that you brush your infant’s teeth after giving honey around bedtime.
Make the baby rest for as much time as possible.
Experts state that home remedies alone, without any medical intervention, have the potential to cure a cold in babies. But, sometimes, a cold could grow into something worse.
Source - https://www.momjunction.com
