Cold & Cough in Kids
Being both a parent and a doctor, I understand the anxiety that comes with watching your child struggle with sniffles, coughs and congestion. Kids are more prone to catching colds and coughs compared to adults and as parents we always strive to protect our ones best we can. In this blog post I’ll be sharing tips on how to instill habits boost immunity and prevent illnesses in children.
Getting to Know the Culprits: Cold & Cough and Their Origins
Let’s delve into the basics of these childhood ailments (Cold & Cough):
Colds: Viruses are primarily responsible for causing colds. These tiny invaders enter the body through the nose or mouth. Wreak havoc in the respiratory system. The classic symptoms include a congested nose, sneezing, a sore throat and sometimes a slight fever.
Coughs: Coughing is a reflex that helps clear the airways of mucus, irritants, or foreign particles. It can accompany a cold. Persist after recovery. In some cases, coughing may indicate issues like allergies or asthma.
Understanding How Illnesses Spread: Awareness is Key to Protect Cold & Cough
Children are more susceptible because their immune systems are still maturing.
Viruses and bacteria that cause illnesses can easily spread in settings where children in proximity:
Daycare and Schools: Classrooms serve as ideal environments, for germs to thrive.
Factors such as shared toys, close contact and varying levels of hygiene contribute to the spread of illnesses.
Indoor Playgrounds: While indoor play areas offer entertainment, they can also harbor germs on surfaces and within soft play equipment.
Family and Social Gatherings: Interactions with family members especially when someone is feeling unwell increase the likelihood of catching an illness.
Proactive Prevention: Measures to Reduce Illness Risks
Although we cannot eliminate the risk there are steps parents can take to reduce their child’s chances of getting sick:
The Importance of Handwashing: Teaching children the importance of handwashing is crucial. Encourage them to wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
Additionally using alcohol-based sanitizers is practical when you’re on the move. It’s essential to reinforce this habit at moments such as before meals, after using the restroom after coughing or sneezing or after activities or interacting with pets.
Cough & Sneeze Etiquette: Educate your child on how to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when they cough, or sneeze followed by disposal. If someone doesn’t have a tissue nearby it’s an idea to teach them to cough or sneeze into their elbow of their hand.
Keeping shared areas clean is important: regularly wiping down touched surfaces such, as doorknobs, toys, tables, and phones can help reduce the spread of germs and bacteria without going on cleanliness.
Ensuring your child gets sleep is crucial for maintaining an immune system. Establishing bedtime routines and prioritizing quality rest can make a difference in their overall health.
Encouraging your child to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water is key for thinning mucus. Keeping the body functioning
Emphasize the importance of not sharing utensils within the family – cups, spoons and water bottles should be used individually to prevent the spread of germs through saliva.
Nutrition plays a role in building an immune system from within. A rounded diet rich in nutrients is essential for overall health. Here are some key points to focus on:
Include an array of fruits and vegetables in meals as they provide vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that support the immune system.
Ensure your child’s meals contain protein sources like beans, lentils, chicken, fish, and eggs as protein provides the building blocks, for immune cells.
Opt for grains of refined ones as they offer a higher amount of fiber and vital nutrients.
Incorporating foods, like yogurt into your diet supports gut balance, which is crucial, for a strong immune system. Be mindful of limiting processed and sugary treats as they can weaken the system and crowd out food options.
Ready to shield your child?
Book an appointment:
Mobile: 8095 37 0000
Telephone: 080 2503 4444, 080 2503 4455
Email: info@svasthahospital.com
Remember, you’re not alone on this journey. At Svastha, we’re all about helping you regain independence and find joy in movement. Let’s walk this path together, one step at a time.
