Treatment of a cold in a child

The inflammatory process in the nasal mucosa is called a runny nose or rhinitis. By the nature of the course of rhinitis is acute and chronic. Therefore, the treatment of a cold in a child depends on the form of the disease and its cause.

Acute rhinitis in children can be an independent disease, as well as a complication or a concomitant symptom of other diseases (viral and bacterial infections, measles and others). The provoking factor is mainly hypothermia, less often the cause may be chemical or mechanical irritation of the mucosa. Often the cause of a cold is allergies. A sharp cold always seizes both nasal passages.

The onset of acute rhinitis is manifested by a slight malaise, dryness or burning in the nasopharynx, sneezing and hoarseness of the voice may join. Due to edema of the mucous nose, tearing occurs and the sense of smell worsens. Then there are mucous and abundant discharge from the nasal passages. The inflammatory process almost always extends to the nasopharynx, less often to the paranasal sinuses and the Eustachian tube and auditory membrane, causing otitis media. On examination, one can see hyperemic and edematous mucosa. If the acute form proceeds without complications and the proper treatment of a cold occurs in the child, it passes approximately in ten days.

Treatment of a cold in a child in an acute period includes the fight against infection (antibiotics according to indications and in case of complications), warming and distracting warm foot baths, vasoconstricting children's drops from the common cold (Nazivin, Nazol, Naphthyzin in children's dosage and others), washing the nasal passages of salty sea Water. The irradiation of the nasal passages with ultraviolet rays helps a lot. The best remedy for the common cold is a combination of vasoconstrictive preparations with oil-based drops (Pinosol, Sanorin and others), since they have an emollient and antibacterial effect on the nasal mucosa. It is possible to hold inhalations with antibiotics and herbs.

Rhinitis in infants always occurs with the involvement of the larynx, trachea or bronchi in the process. At the child the state of health worsens, there is a stuffy nose. Breathing with the mouth leads to the drying out of the mucous membrane of the mouth, snoring appears in the dream, the child becomes restless. Often the temperature rises.

Treatment of a runny nose in a baby is reduced to washing the nasal passages with salt water. Since small children do not know how to blow their nose, the accumulated mucus is aspirated with a special can. After this, a vasoconstrictive preparation is inserted in each dose in a dosage suitable for a small child. Preparations with menthol, an oil solution with herbs to small children are not prescribed.

Chronic rhinitis in children is usually the result of an incomplete acute inflammation of the nasal passages. It can also be a manifestation of allergies. The clinical manifestation of this form is a periodic repetitive nasal congestion, a colorless mucous discharge. The general condition, as a rule, does not suffer. On chronic course indicates complete disappearance of symptoms after instillation of vasoconstrictive drugs. If this does not occur, hypertrophic rhinitis should be presumed.

Treatment of a chronic form is almost similar to the treatment of acute form. With nasal congestion prescribe vasoconstrictive drugs (Galazolin, Naftizin, Sanorin, etc.). With allergies, antihistamines are used. The nose is treated with oil (sunflower or olive). Vasoconstrictor drops are not recommended for more than four days, since atrophy may occur. Well assisted inhalation solution of baking soda (alkaline inhalation) or antibacterial solution. The prognosis of the disease with proper treatment is favorable.