What medicine should children take for viral colds?
Recently, viral colds in children have become a hot topic of concern to parents. As seasons change and temperatures change, the incidence of respiratory infections in children increases significantly. This article will combine the popular discussions on the Internet in the past 10 days to provide parents with scientific and practical medication guidelines.
1. The difference between viral colds and bacterial colds
The first thing to understand is that viral colds are caused by viruses, while bacterial colds are caused by bacteria. The two treatments are completely different:
| type | Symptom characteristics | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| viral cold | Runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, low fever, symptoms gradually getting worse | Treat symptomatically without antibiotics |
| bacterial cold | High fever that persists, purulent nasal discharge, and tonsil suppuration | Need antibiotic treatment |
2. Recommended common drugs for viral colds in children
Based on the latest pediatric guidelines and expert advice, here are the recommended medications for different symptoms:
| symptom | Recommended medicine | Applicable age | Things to note |
|---|---|---|---|
| fever | Ibuprofen suspension, acetaminophen drops | More than 6 months | Pay attention to dosage intervals to avoid overdose |
| nasal congestion | Physiological seawater nasal spray | All ages | Avoid nasal drops containing ephedrine |
| cough | Honey (over 1 year old), dextromethorphan (over 2 years old) | See applicable ages | Honey is prohibited for children under 1 year old |
| sore throat | Warm salt water rinse, acetaminophen | Mouthwash is allowed for those aged 2 years and above | avoid irritating foods |
3. Medication precautions
1.Antibiotic use principles: Viral colds do not require the use of antibiotics, and misuse of antibiotics may lead to drug resistance.
2.Use compound cold medicine with caution: Children under 6 years old are not recommended to use compound cold medicines because their ingredients are complex and the risks outweigh the benefits.
3.Traditional Chinese medicine use: Some Chinese patent medicines may be effective, but they need to be used under the guidance of a doctor to avoid duplication or overdose of ingredients.
4.Rehydration is important: Make sure your child gets enough fluids and use oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration.
4. Latest expert consensus hot spots
According to hot discussions in the medical community in the past 10 days, experts particularly emphasized:
1.When to use antipyretics: It is not necessary to strictly follow the critical value of 38.5℃, the child's comfort should be the main consideration.
2.antiviral drugs: Ordinary viral colds do not require antiviral drugs such as oseltamivir unless influenza is confirmed.
3.immunomodulator: Routine use of so-called "immunity-enhancing" drugs is not recommended. A balanced diet and adequate sleep are more important.
5. Key points of home care
| Nursing measures | Specific methods | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Keep the air moist | Use a humidifier to maintain humidity at 50%-60% | Relieve nasal congestion and cough |
| Blowing your nose properly | Teach older children the correct way to blow their noses | Prevent otitis media |
| Light diet | Warm liquid or semi-liquid food | Reduce throat irritation |
| Get enough rest | Ensure adequate sleep time | promote recovery |
6. When Do You Need Medical Treatment?
You should seek medical attention immediately if:
1. Infants under 3 months old have a fever exceeding 38℃
2. High fever that persists for more than 3 days
3. Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing
4. Listlessness and refusal to eat
5. Rash or convulsions occur
7. Preventive measures
1. Wash your hands frequently and pay attention to personal hygiene
2. Get vaccinated before flu season
3. Avoid contact with people with colds
4. Maintain indoor air circulation
5. Eat a balanced diet and exercise moderately
Summary: The treatment of viral colds in children mainly focuses on symptomatic support. Parents should avoid overuse of medications, especially antibiotics and compound cold medicines. With scientific home care and rational use of medication, most children can recover in about a week. When symptoms worsen or danger signs appear, you should seek professional help promptly.
check the details
check the details
en
