Why does my child often catch colds?
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This seems to be a question that parents often ask themselves as they see their young children, between 1 and 4 years of age, suffer constantly, almost perpetually, from colds.
However, there is no need to worry. Although it may seem a dangerous situation, it is totally normal for this to happen and here is why:
According to statistics, suffering from 8 to 10 colds a year is normal in children up to 4 years old, since their immune system is still developing at this age and is more sensitive to be affected by viruses.
Also, remember that the spaces in which we live are full of viruses and bacteria that can end up causing an infection with fever and discomfort in the respiratory system.
Colds are part of the children’s development and, although children feel discomfort, there is also good news. They disappear thanks to your child’s inner work, do not require special medication and do not pose a risk of major complications.
What can I do when children have a cold?
A cold is produced by a virus that enters the body through the respiratory tract. There are no specific medications that can put an end to this. The best thing to do is to allow the child’s body to fight this infection, to help them maintain a constant intake of fluids and provide continuous rest.
If the symptoms are presented with fever, vomiting or diarrhea, consulting with your pediatrician will be a good idea to find a specific solution.
Can I prevent my child from getting sick?
No, as a parent you cannot prevent your child from getting sick. In fact, these experiences help strengthen your child’s immune system so that they will be able to cope with more and more viruses without being affected by them.
Although there are ways in which you can reduce the risk of contagion, maintaining certain hygiene habits that can extend the periods without getting sick, for example:
Teach them to wash their hands frequently, especially before eating and going to the bathroom.
Keep play areas ventilated and dust-free.
Use coats or raincoats on cold, wet and rainy days to try to keep your child's body warm at all times.
Supplement their diet with fruits and vegetables that provide vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to help them fight viruses.
Teach them not to share personal items, such as reeds, glasses, plates and cutlery that may allow viruses to spread from one body to another.
What are the symptoms of a cold?
Sneezing.
Nasal secretion, i.e. the production of mucus that can evolve from a transparent to a green color.
Sore throat: you may notice difficulty swallowing, irritability and speech changes.
Swollen glands: the tonsils can be noticed if you look with a light inside his mouth.
Coughing, dry or with mucus.
Fever, increased body temperature above 38 degrees Celsius.
The cold discomfort should disappear in a period of 5 or 7 days. If fever does not stop, cough is continuous and dry, you should see a specialist.
When do I need to see a specialist or pediatrician?
Although colds do not produce serious complications, it is important to recognize that there are situations that should be evaluated by a specialist to avoid more complex situations.
You can contact a pediatrician or an otolaryngologist with a specialty in children:
The child has difficulty breathing, any change in their breathing rhythm or an unnatural movement of their breathing process.
Their fever reaches and exceeds 39 degrees Celsius and is difficult to lower.
Coughing is continuous for more than eight days.
Pus is present in the tonsils.
Mucus continues after eight days.
Their tiredness is excessive.
