How to deal with colds in infants?

The immune system is not perfect, making babies vulnerable to various diseases, including colds. There are about 200 types of viruses that can cause colds in babies. How to treat colds in infants?

Colds in infants are characterized by colds or clear runny nose, which can turn into yellowish or greenish after a week. May be accompanied by cough or mild fever. Generally, babies always want to eat or play normally

The action can be done at home

The discharge of snot during a cold is actually a way to get rid of germs in the body. However, if there are too many snot coming out of the nose, it can interfere with the baby's breathing.

Here are some ways to relieve the symptoms of a cold in a baby that parents can do at home:

• Place the baby in a room without air conditioning to reduce congestion. If the baby is more comfortable in an air-conditioned room, use a humidifier or hot water. You can add essential oils like menthol.
• If a baby's runny nose is very annoying, dilute the mucus with salty water dripping at the tip of the nostril. Then use muscular babies to clean the nose.
• Gently tap on the baby's back to help ease the contents that are stuck. Put the baby on his stomach on his lap or let him sit on his lap, leaning forward.
• To avoid irritation, you can apply Vaseline to the nostrils.
• Clean nasal fluid or hardened mucus in the baby's nose. Use cotton soaked in warm water.
• You can provide hot tea for babies over 6 months. This can help relieve nasal congestion.

Don't do drugs

Colds that do not interfere with the baby's diet or activities do not require special measures or cold medicines for babies. Avoid using over-the-counter medicines for children under 6 years of age because of possible and dangerous side effects. The best medicine is always given under the supervision of a doctor.

If the baby has a fever, talk with your doctor about the possibility of paracetamol or ibuprofen. Never give baby aspirin because this can cause dangerous side effects.

Conditions that must be considered

Although colds are one of the most common illnesses in infants, there are several factors that require parents to be alert and seek immediate medical attention, including:

• Colds accompanied by coughing and fever reach more than 39 degrees Celsius in children under 3 months, or fever more than 40 degrees Celsius in children over 3 months.
• The fever lasts more than two days.
• Watery eyes or eye discharge.
• The cough worsens or is accompanied by rapid breathing, wheezing when the baby is breathing.
• Significant changes in diet or sleep, often drowsy or difficult.
• Babies cry when they suck while rubbing or pulling their ears and crying when put on the bed.
• Colds don't improve after 7-10

Infants with immune systems are vulnerable to various diseases. Therefore, colds in infants with severe symptoms must be monitored. Consult a doctor for correct and safe handling of babies.