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COLDS
AND RUNNY NOSES
A cold is an infection
caused by a virus. It begins with symptoms of feeling unwell, sniffling, runny
and/or a blocked nose. After 1 to 2 days the nose starts to run with a watery,
clear fluid which then becomes thick and green.
Because the nose is linked to the ears, sinuses and throat, the cold can spread
there. This can result in middle ear infection or sinusitis, often with a
fever. A frequent and annoying cough may start because the mucus runs down
the back of the throat and tickles the airways.
There are more than 1,000 types of cold virus, so immunisation is not possible. There are no medicines against these viruses, and antibiotics do not help either. You can only treat a cold's symptoms.
A cold usually gets better after 5 to 10 days. If there is no fever, someone with a cold may go out of doors as normal.
Self Care
It is difficult
for a baby with a blocked nose to drink from a breast or bottle. The baby
will decide not to drink rather than to choke. The baby then becomes hungry
and will cry more. The baby can only drink again once the nose is clear. This
occurs only after sneezing, which may be brought about by dropping warm water
(which should be boiled and left to cool) into the nose using a pipette. If
warm water is not successful ask your pharmacist for salt-water nose drops.
Use salt-water nose drops sparingly in babies less than 18 months of age;
try to avoid the baby swallowing the water.
CHILDREN OVER 1 YEAR
Colds are normal
among children particularly if they go to places where there are many other
children, like child minders, play schools or nurseries.
When they have a
cold give them enough to drink. Hot drinks can have a soothing effect. They
may go outdoors.
Contact a Doctor
