What are the first signs of a cold in children?

What is a cold?

More than 200 different viruses can cause infections and colds. But rhinovirus is the most common virus that causes colds. Because colds are viral, taking antibiotics will not affect them. Colds in children are dangerous when either the child is too young to be considered a child or the child has a defective immune system. Colds are usually completely cured within 4 to 10 days without any treatment.

What causes a cold?

Before we look at the first signs of a common cold in children, as we mentioned earlier, most colds are caused by rhinovirus. The virus is present in the form of invisible droplets in the air or on objects that we touch. The virus can penetrate the protective lining of the nose and throat and cause an immune system reaction. Symptoms such as sore throat, headache and respiratory problems may occur. Dry air indoors or outdoors can reduce resistance to rhinovirus infection.

People who smoke are more likely to catch a cold. The symptoms of the common cold are more severe and prolonged in smokers and can even lead to bronchitis or pneumonia.

The first signs of a cold in children

Colds in children as well as adults are often accompanied by the following signs and symptoms:

Itchy throat

At the onset of a cold, children often complain of sore throats. In this case, they may be less inclined to eat foods due to their inability to swallow easily. Itchy throat in the following days will lead to sore throat.

Runny or stuffy nose

Sometimes the first sign of a cold is a runny nose. This condition is usually very annoying for children because they have to constantly wipe their nasal secretions with a tissue while playing, moving or sleeping. If the child is very young, his parents have to take it upon themselves, which is certainly very annoying. If the nasal discharge tends to turn yellow or green after a while, it is a sign of infection and you should see a doctor for medication.

Sneezing

A child who sneezes unusually frequently is more likely to have a cold. Sneezing is caused by irritation of the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. When the common cold virus infects the cells of the nose, the body reacts and releases histamine. In this case, the blood vessels dilate and the mucous glands begin to secrete.

Excessive fatigue and muscle aches

When you see that the child is not playing as usual and is not always bored, he may have a cold. Feeling tired and wanting to rest and sleep are the first signs of a cold in children. Unusual fatigue in children may also be associated with muscle aches.

Loss of appetite

If you notice that your child is reluctant to eat or does not eat as much as usual, he or she is more likely to catch a cold. In addition to losing appetite, check for other symptoms to make sure your child has a cold. Production when a child or adult has a cold Cytokines Which is a chemical in the brain increases and the composition of the brain changes. Cytokines reduce appetite and help the body store energy to fight disease.

Mild fever is one of the first signs of a cold in children

At the onset of a cold, you may notice that your baby’s body is a little hotter than usual and has a fever. In this case, it is better to scrub the child with lukewarm water so that the fever does not increase. The degree of fever in a child should be constantly monitored because high fever in children increases the risk of seizures. Seizures cause damage to the brain that may be irreversible. If the child’s fever does not go away, be sure to see a doctor and take medications such as acetaminophen.

Cough and headache may also be the first signs of a cold in children. If the symptoms are mild, there is no need to see a doctor. But if you feel that your child’s general condition is getting worse every day, seek medical help.

How many times will children catch a cold?

Before the age of 2, infants and toddlers often catch a cold 8 to 10 times a year. Preschoolers will experience colds about nine times a year; While children who go to kindergarten may catch a cold 12 times a year. The older you get, the fewer colds you have; Adolescents and adults may catch colds about 2 to 4 times a year. The cold season begins in October and usually lasts until the end of winter. Children often catch colds in the fall and winter.

How to prevent a child from catching a cold?

We looked at the first signs of a cold in children. If you do not want your child to catch a cold, you should pay more attention to his personal hygiene and remind him to wash his hands regularly. When a person who has a cold touches a device, if your child touches the same object, then they are more likely to catch a cold. Door handles, stair railings, books, pencils and pens, and video game consoles carry the cold virus more than anything else. Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds when your child touches them.

Encourage your child to cover their mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing, and to wipe their nose with a paper towel when they have a runny nose. Also remind the child to wash their hands after sneezing, coughing and clearing nasal discharge.

What are the symptoms of a child fever without cold symptoms?

Fever indicates an infection in the body. If your child has a fever and you do not see any symptoms of a cold, you may have a bladder infection, for example. This problem occurs especially for girls. Streptococcal sore throat is another cause of fever without symptoms of cold. Tooth extraction, injections of various vaccines, and sometimes coronary heart disease may also cause a fever, in which case there is no other sign of a cold.

Symptoms of colds in infants

The symptoms of the common cold in infants are similar to the symptoms of the common cold in older children. For example, runny nose, difficulty falling asleep, sneezing, coughing, loss of appetite, lethargy and boredom are seen in the child. Parents are usually frightened to see these symptoms in their baby, while the common cold is often harmless and will not cause a problem if treated in time.

How should a doctor see a child when they have a cold?

Wait a moment at the first signs of a child’s cold. If your child does not feel well after a few days, see your pediatrician. Also, if you have a high fever, vomiting, chills, cough, severe respiratory distress, or extreme tiredness, call your doctor right away and ask him or her to examine your baby. These symptoms may be related to the flu or a bacterial infection. See your doctor if you have the first signs of a cold if your child has asthma, diabetes, or other chronic illnesses. Avoid arbitrary treatments and inappropriate use of medication for a child with a cold as it may have unpleasant consequences.