If your child is suffering from a cold, then he might be sneezing, have a runny nose, headache and perhaps a cough. They may also suffer from a high temperature.
As there is no cure for the common cold, your treatment should focus on easing your child's symptoms as much as possible.
Treating the Symptoms
Most of the time, you can treat your child's symptoms yourself, right at home. Here, Calpol have listed several top techniques:
- Make sure your child gets plenty of restful sleep, as this will help to aid recovery.
- Give your child plenty of liquids to keep him hydrated.
- To ease a fever or general aches and pains, you can try paracetamol or ibuprofen-containing medicines. Always follow the dosage instructions that come with it.
- A blocked nose naturally makes it harder for kids to breathe. A simple tip to help ease their breathing is to prop up the top end of their bed using a few books.
- Moisture and warmth can ease your child's blocked nose as well – just take them into the bathroom while you run a hot shower or bath. You can also humidify the air with a vaporiser.
- Keep your child warm but not too hot and keep the room well ventilated.
- Kids with a cold, may lose their appetite. This should only last for a few days, and when it happens, simply let them eat when they're hungry.
- If your baby is having trouble feeding with a stuffy nose, Calpol Soothe & Care Saline Nasal Spray can help to wash away the mucus that can contribute to your little one's blocked nose, helping them to breathe more easily. It is also suitable from birth.
- If your baby is over 3 months, weighs more than 5kg and has a fever, an ibuprofen-based medicine such as Calprofen Ibuprofen Suspension may be particularly effective for relieving fever. It starts to work in just 15 minutes to relieve fever and lasts for up to 8 hours.
Please note this is for background information only. If you are at all concerned or in any doubt contact your GP.