The cold seasons in Manchester are knocking at our doors, and it won’t be long before the dreaded coughs, colds, and catarrh appear. These are all common ailments that most children suffer from at some point in their lives.
They can be challenging to treat because children under five years old don’t know how to take medicine and usually refuse it.
So, how should parents deal with this? How can we help our children to get better as quickly as possible? This article will give you some tips on how to do just that.
What is the ‘common cold’?
The common cold is a viral infection that can affect the nose and throat and cause sneezing, coughing, and a runny nose. It’s caused by any of the over 200 different viruses, which someone can catch when they breathe in tiny droplets from an infected person’s coughs or sneezes.
The symptoms usually appear two to three days after the infection (sometimes longer) and last up to a week.
Common colds are prevalent in children between the ages of two and four because this is when their immune systems are still developing. They can also be more likely to catch colds from other children this age, as they spend more time together in nursery or school.
What are the symptoms of a cold?
If your child suffers from a cold, they likely have one or more symptoms: a runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, and cough. If your child has a severe cold, they may also have headaches, high fever (fever), and feelings of lethargy and aches in their joints.
Contact a cough specialist in Manchester if your child has a terrible cold and is displaying any of these symptoms. You should also contact them if they’re not feeling well, especially if they have a runny nose, sore throat, or cough lasting longer than two weeks.
Moreover, contacting a doctor will help you rule out the possibility of COVID-19 as both diseases have similar symptoms, so it’s crucial to get the correct diagnosis.
What causes coughs and colds?
Viruses cause coughs and colds. Viruses are tiny infectious particles that can only be seen under a microscope; they’re not visible to the naked eye. They enter our body through our nose, mouth, or eyes and travel around in our blood system, causing symptoms such as headaches and sore throats.
Sometimes, coughs and colds can be caused by medical conditions such as bronchitis and asthma. However, these are much less common than viral infections.
As we said, a children’s cough specialist doctor in Manchester will help your child. They can suggest to you what to do if your child has a cough and cold and how long it will last. Contact the doctor immediately for advice if your child shows any illness, such as a fever, vomiting or diarrhoea.
How can I prevent coughs and colds?
As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. You can do some simple things to help prevent coughs and colds from taking hold in your home.
Everyone should take good care of themselves, especially young children who may not look after themselves during an illness. If someone has been diagnosed with flu or another virus that can cause fever, vomiting, and diarrhoea, they must not have any contact with children for at least 48 hours after symptoms have settled.
Ensure your kids are up to date with their vaccinations, as they can help protect against some infections and keep them from spreading. It’s also essential to practice good hygiene, especially if you have a cough or cold.
Remember that children have weaker immune systems than adults, so they’re more vulnerable to infections. If your children are unwell, it’s crucial that you keep them away from other people to avoid passing on their germs.
When should I need medical help for my child’s cough or cold?
See your doctor if your kid has a cough or cold that’s been going on for over three weeks. This is important if they have any signs of an infection, such as a high temperature (fever), conjunctivitis, or chest infection.
If you don’t have a family doctor, you can search for a “cough specialist near me” to find a medical professional to help with your child’s cough. The doctor may want to do some tests, such as taking a throat swab or doing a chest X-ray.
Conclusion:
Coughing in children is quite common, and there are many reasons your child may be coughing. If you have any anxieties about your child’s cough and cold, see a cough specialist in Manchester.