NEWBORN BABY COLD AND MEDICATIONS                                                                                                             

In this NEWBORN BABY COLD AND MEDICATIONS blog we have to discuss on what baby cold exactly, reasons behind this cold, when to seek medical help, medications for this cold and home remedies.

WHAT IS COLD? 

Whenever we have a cold or fever, we can go to the medical and take medicine. We don't think it is necessary to consult a doctor. But if the same is the case with our newborn baby or child, we cannot give them over the counter medicine. Its side effects can affect on our baby. In newborn baby cold situation Doctor's advice is important. 

We can understand cold as allergic reaction. When a virus or bacteria enters our respiratory track, a sticky substance called mucus is released from the respiratory track to block it. Which will hinder the entry of the virus or bacteria. This is what we call a cold. There is no specific medicine for cold without medicine cold cures automatically in 8 to 10 days. Only by taking medicine it cures quickly. Adults can tolerate it for 8 to 10 days, but the newborn babies and children suffer a lot from it. So it is very necessary to take medication for this. 

REASON BEHIND COLD

Viral Infection- Cold is mainly caused by rhinovirus. It is spread by coughing or sneezing of infected persons. These viruses spread in the air and infect other people with colds. 

Change In Environment - Sudden change in environment can cause this cold. 
Allergies - Some people are allergic to a particular thing, so cold-like symptoms appear. The severity can be mild to severe. Dust, dirt, pollen, certain types of fragrances can also cause cold-like symptoms. 

Immunity - Some babies have a very weak immune system, so they can't fight against this virus or bacteria.

 
WHEN TO GET MEDICAL HELP? 

• Shortness of breath.
• Constant fever 
• Refusal to eat or drink. 
• Dry mouth. 
• Lots of crying 
• Ear pain 
• To be very irritable. 

 

MEDICATIONS: 

In many cases of colds, there is no need for medicine, it gets better automatically in 8 to 10 days. But if the baby does not have any problem with that cold, there is no need for any treatment. As the baby can breathe properly, the nose is not blocked, even if he has a cold, he is fine. 

Saline Nasal Drop- Saline nasal drop is very safe for children and does not cause any side effects on children. 2 to 3 drops or spray of this spray is to be left in the baby's nostrils, so that if the nose is blocked, it becomes free and helps breathing. You can give this to babies 3 to 4 times a day. 

HOW TO MAKE HOME MADE SALINE NASAL DROP

You can also make this drop at home. For this, mix 1/2 teaspoon of your household salt and ½ teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of hot water. Stir the mixture until it dissolves completely. You can use it as saline nasal drop for your baby.  

Using a Humidifier -

If the air in your home is too dry, the mucus in babies nose dried up and your baby may have difficulty in breathing. If the air is humid, the mucus becomes moist

and can easily fall out of babies' nose.

Do not use a humidifier that is too warm as it can inflame the nasal passages and make breathing more difficult. 

Using Bulb syringe - It is an easy and skillful way to use it. It can remove the blockage immediately and gives quick relief. It does not require any medicine. But many parents avoid this remedy. 

You can give the baby steam as per doctor's advice, it uses steroid. For example, Duolin, Budecort, Duolin LD, Ipravent etc. 

READ MORE: CARD GOVERMENT BABY VACCINATION CHART

HOME REMEDIES FOR COLD:

• Suction (with something like a bulb syringe) to pull out the liquid out of your child's nose or ask your child to blow their nose. When your child's nose runs like a faucet, it's getting rid of viruses. 
• Use garlic- make a chain of garlic and put it on neck of baby.it will be helpful in cold and cough. 
• Warm Liquids: Warm beverages like herbal teas, (above 2 years of child)
• Steam Inhalation: By using saline water, you can give steam inhalation.
• Mentholated Rubs: For children over 2 years, applying a mentholated rub on the chest and neck can help relieve congestion. 
• Elevating the Head: Elevating the child's head while sleeping can help reduce nasal congestion and improve breathing.
• Using carom seeds: Take a small amount of ajwain roasted on griddle, wrap them in clean cloth and shake to the back and chest of baby. This help to empty the baby's chest if it is filled with phlegm.