During infancy and early childhood Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTI) are very common. In this age group [up to 5 years of age] on an average, children have about 6-8 episodes every year. It is higher in those children who have siblings of the same age. It can be up to 12 in some.
What causes common cold?
Common cold or URTI is a viral illness. It is usually caused by a group of viruses called Rhinovirus. Other viruses can sometime cause URTI.
How does it spread?
The common cold viruses are highly contagious. It can spread from one to another very easily. The usual mode of transmission is by droplets (tiny drops of sputum and nasal secretions scattered into the air during sneezing, coughing or even speaking).
The virus can also be spread via nasal secretions transferred by hand, handkerchiefs, toys, cot sides and clothes.
What are the main symptoms?
Nasal discharge (from watery to thick yellowing discharge), sneezing, sore throat, red and watery eyes are the common symptoms. Symptoms are usually mild, with either no fever or mild fever.
How long does it last?
The symptoms usually resolve in about 5-7 days.
Is there any treatment?
There is no specific treatment. Paracetamol can be used to help make the child feel better. Especially in small children it is important to ensure that fluid is taken orally in adequate amounts. It is usual for children to refuse solid food for a few days, but as long as fluids are taken in adequate amounts there is no reason to be unduly concerned. The food habits would usually return to pre-illness pattern in a few days.
There is no role of antibiotics in the treatment of common cold.
What causes common cold?
Common cold or URTI is a viral illness. It is usually caused by a group of viruses called Rhinovirus. Other viruses can sometime cause URTI.
How does it spread?
The common cold viruses are highly contagious. It can spread from one to another very easily. The usual mode of transmission is by droplets (tiny drops of sputum and nasal secretions scattered into the air during sneezing, coughing or even speaking).
The virus can also be spread via nasal secretions transferred by hand, handkerchiefs, toys, cot sides and clothes.
What are the main symptoms?
Nasal discharge (from watery to thick yellowing discharge), sneezing, sore throat, red and watery eyes are the common symptoms. Symptoms are usually mild, with either no fever or mild fever.
How long does it last?
The symptoms usually resolve in about 5-7 days.
Is there any treatment?
There is no specific treatment. Paracetamol can be used to help make the child feel better. Especially in small children it is important to ensure that fluid is taken orally in adequate amounts. It is usual for children to refuse solid food for a few days, but as long as fluids are taken in adequate amounts there is no reason to be unduly concerned. The food habits would usually return to pre-illness pattern in a few days.
There is no role of antibiotics in the treatment of common cold.
التسميات: common cold, roga, URTI
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