Common cold can be quite the menace if left undetected and untreated for long. The problem is especially prevalent among children as they are more susceptible to bacterial and viral infections. Runny noses, congestion, breathing problems followed by weakness, fever, and body ache are some noticeable symptoms that parents should look out for.

Read on to know all about colds, flu, and infections in kids and how you can treat it.

What Causes Common Cold In Kids?

There is a number of ways in which your kid can get infected by the common cold. Viral and bacterial infections are communicable and easily be transferred to the child via physical contact or nearness with an infected person. Sometimes it can also be an allergic reaction to dust or any food item which can lead to a runny nose and wheezing in kids. A running nose can be really irritating for the child causing sneezes, chest congestion and even rashes in and around the nose and throat.

Signs and Symptoms of Common Cold in Kids

There are numerous tell-tale signs that point to an infection. A runny nose is usually a preview, an indication for a more serious problem of viral fever or worse. Therefore, it is important that parents learn about the standard symptoms of such conditions and how to effectively deal with them. Here are some signs that generally accompany a running nose;

• Sudden bouts of cough
• Difficulty to breathe properly
• Choking and chest congestion
• Rashes all over the body
• Phlegm or mucus accumulation
• Headache and body ache

Natural Remedies for Running Nose for Kids

Natural remedies are perhaps the safest, cheapest, and most effective way of dealing with a runny nose. These remedies usually have no side effects, are 100% organic and can be made from everyday kitchen ingredients.

Listed below are some quick and simple home remedies that you can try:

• Camphor and Coconut Oil Massage: massaging the throat, chest, and torso with heated coconut and camphor
• warms the body. A mustard oil massage also has the same effect.
• Steam: inhaling steam loosens the phlegm blocking the nasal passage and chest.
• Ginger and Honey: both ginger and honey are rich in antioxidants and have anti-bacterial properties.
• Warm Milk and Turmeric: this concoction boosts immunity and helps the body regain its strength to fight such infections.

When To Call A Doctor?

A runny nose is not something that requires a trip down to the doctor’s office, although, there are times when home remedies and conventional meds fail to have any positive effect on the child. If the symptoms last for over two weeks, then it is time to call the doctor. High fever, headache, weakness, nausea, ear pain, and sinus are some other scenarios where a medical expert’s assistance and advice might be required.

Some Precautionary Measures to avoid common cold in kids

As parents we are always worried about the well-being of our children, however, it would be impossible for us to protect them from everything 24*7. Here are some precautionary measures you can adopt to reduce the risk of infections and running noses;

• Keep the kids clean, hydrated and encourage them to be hygienic particularly with hand hygiene
• Keep clean paper towels and tissues handy
• Clean out mucus regularly, teach them how to blow their nose properly
• Include organic veggies and nutrient-rich diet to boost immunity in kids
• Do not give them any medicine without the explicit permission of the doctor.
• Refrain from cough syrups if your child is under 4