Young children are particularly susceptible to colds due to insufficient development of the immune system. Parents who are concerned about the health of children should remember that the common cold is always an infectious disease.
Hypothermia, rainy or windy, wetted feet alone can not cause acute respiratory illness (cold). However, these factors significantly contribute to the reduction of local immunity, allowing viruses to easily enter the body and bacteria to develop.
Since the child is not always able to correctly assess his condition and tell about the symptoms that are disturbing him, parents often miss the initial stages of the disease. Sudden anxiety, apathy, and also drowsiness should guard them.
According to recent studies, frequent colds have a negative impact on children’s health in the long term. Numerous colds significantly increase the risk of developing diseases of the digestive, musculoskeletal and respiratory systems in the future.
The main symptoms of a cold are:
- fever in the child;
- swollen lymph nodes;
- cough;
- sneezing and redness of the eyes;
- mucous discharge from the nose;
- apathy;
- dizziness;
- nausea.
The common cold can be caused by both bacterial and viral infections. It is difficult to distinguish them by their appearance. In addition, there are frequent cases of bacterial infection with a viral infection, which cause the greatest difficulties with treatment.
Among the most characteristic signs of a common cold is a sharp increase in body temperature, redness of the eyes and a clear discharge from the nose. However, only a pediatrician can make an accurate diagnosis, based on laboratory test data.
It should also be noted that bacterial infections require treatment with antibiotics that are not effective against viral diseases.
The temperature of a child is a phenomenon that sooner or later all young parents face. This alarming symptom is not only severely tolerated by the child’s body, but also indicates the presence of inflammatory processes and the development of certain diseases. What should be known about the fever in a child, and what measures should be taken when it appears?
Causes of high temperature in a child
There are many diseases that are accompanied by fever in the child. The most common causes of fever are viral and bacterial infections, each of which is characterized by a different rate and degree of temperature increase.
Children may also suffer from fever with the appearance of allergic reactions, the development of autoimmune and oncological diseases, as well as disruption of the endocrine system.
Parents need to consider that the processes of thermoregulation in the child’s body are not yet perfect, so the body temperature can easily rise from normal overheating. This concerns, first of all, both prolonged exposure to the scorching sun, and excessive wrapping (wearing a large amount of warm clothing).
This phenomenon has a certain classification. It is considered that elevated temperature is: moderate (37.2-38 ° C), medium (38-40 ° C) and high (over 40 ° C).
It should be noted that younger children rather difficult to tolerate a rise in temperature, which can develop from the most minor causes (for example, from a respiratory viral infection). This disease in adults is manifested only by a slight fever, while the children’s organism reacts to it by a sharp rise in temperature.
The danger of high temperature in a child lies in various metabolic disturbances that impede the normal functioning of internal organs and systems.
Separately, it should be noted that the presence of infectious-inflammatory processes that are not accompanied by an increase in temperature indicates a low ability of the body to resist viruses and bacteria.
Increased temperature in a child is accompanied by general deterioration of health, lethargy, decreased appetite and anxiety. Various types of fever can lead to blanching or, conversely, redness of the skin. In young children, fever can lead to seizures.
Proper nutrition – the guarantee of children’s health
It is no secret that many childhood diseases are associated with a weakened immune system. There are many medications to maintain it, but a well-organized, balanced diet plays a leading role.
Nutritionists identify the following foods that can support children’s health.
- Garlic and onion
These vegetables perfectly tone up and strengthen the child’s immunity. If children refuse to use these products regularly, then they can find “remote” use: leave the finely chopped vegetables in a saucer in the room where they sleep or play. Inhalation of volatile substances that they contain also has a pronounced therapeutic effect.
- Dairy products
Natural, enriched with beneficial microflora, dairy products are indicated for the normal functioning of the digestive system and maintaining the immunity of the child.
- The nuts
Nutritious nuts are rich in a mass of beneficial trace elements that ensure the normal functioning of the immune system. A small amount of walnut, hazelnuts or almonds can be included in the diet of children who are not allergic to this group of products.
- Copper
Honey is a storehouse of beneficial vitamins, minerals and natural sugars. Its pronounced anti-inflammatory properties help to cope with the cold and speed up the healing process. Children as a prophylaxis of respiratory seasonal diseases should be offered weak tea with lemon and honey (in the absence of food allergy to these products).
- Fish fat
The use of this product also helps to strengthen the immune system. If the child refuses to drink it in its pure form, you can buy fish oil in gelatin capsules at the pharmacy, hiding its characteristic taste and smell.
