What to do for quick relief of nasal congestion in children with a cold?

Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
Updated on September 06, 2024
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A minor cold with nasal congestion is likely caused by a viral infection leading to swelling of the nasal mucosa, and thus, blocking the nasal passages. For quick relief, we can initially take oral medications such as children's acetaminophen-diphenhydramine granules, etc., which can promote the contraction of the nasal mucosa. Additionally, antiviral oral solutions can be taken for antiviral treatment. Locally, a 3% sodium chloride solution can be used for nasal drops to promote the contraction of the nasal mucosa, or physiological seawater nasal drops can also be used for the same purpose. Furthermore, physiological saline can be used to wash the nasal cavity, and then a nasal aspirator can be used to clean the secretions inside the nasal cavity, which also helps to clear the nasal passages.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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How can a child recover quickly from a cold?

Children's colds are mostly viral infections, and viral infections can heal themselves. Therefore, when a child catches a cold, we should first let the child rest plenty, drink lots of water, and ensure they get enough sleep. If the child has noticeable cold symptoms, you can give them cold granules for symptomatic treatment of the cold. Also, maintain indoor air humidity, and keep the home temperature appropriate, generally between 18-23℃, with about 60% humidity. Under these conditions, a child's cold can recover quickly. Do not let children in contact with adults who have a cold during their cold period, do not let children play outside, and certainly do not allow children to engage in strenuous activities. (Please follow your doctor's medical advice regarding medicines.)

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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What medicine should a child take for vomiting and a cold?

When a child has a cold and shows symptoms of vomiting, it is likely due to acute gastrointestinal symptoms. In this case, oral medications to protect the stomach, such as bifidobacterium, cimetidine, omeprazole, or other antiemetic drugs can be administered. Additionally, it is important to check if there are symptoms of tonsillitis or throat inflammation, as inflammation of the tonsils or throat can stimulate the gag reflex and also cause reflex vomiting. In this situation, the first step should be to control the symptoms of the throat and tonsils, which will gradually improve the vomiting. Also, pay attention to the child's body temperature and their mental responses.

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What are the symptoms of viral colds in children?

Symptoms of viral cold in children include nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, cough with phlegm, fever, headache, body aches, and sore throat. When having a cold, it is important to rest first, avoid strenuous exercise, and allow the body to focus its resources on the functioning of the immune system. It is also important to drink plenty of water, as all immune mechanisms rely on sufficient water. Drinking more water leads to more urination, which increases the excretion of water-soluble vitamins, so it is necessary to adequately supplement water-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin C and vitamin B. Fruits and vegetables are preferred. Additionally, symptomatic medication treatment should be applied.

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Written by Quan Xiang Mei
Pediatrics
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Is it good for children to sweat while sleeping when they have a cold?

If a child sweats while sleeping during a cold, it is generally not a cause for concern. First, children usually do not have a fever when they sweat during sleep at night. Therefore, when there is a fever, sweating usually does not occur. Parents only need to pay attention to promptly changing sweat-dampened clothes and avoiding getting chilled after sweating. The second situation of sweating during a cold in children may indicate that the body has become relatively weak, or that the cold has led to phenomena such as calcium deficiency or an exacerbation of insufficient vitamin D in daily life. In such cases, where night sweating occurs, parents should promptly provide appropriate supplements of trace elements like calcium and vitamin D based on the child’s symptoms. They should also ensure a balanced and reasonable diet and sufficient sleep to aid the recovery from the illness.

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What to do if a child has a cold with nausea and vomiting?

Childhood colds refer to a general term for upper respiratory infections in children, including wind-cold colds, wind-heat colds, acute pharyngitis, acute tonsillitis, and more. They are caused by infections from various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, etc., and symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, sore throat, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, etc. When children experience a cold accompanied by nausea and vomiting symptoms, it is referred to as a gastroenteric type of cold, and treatments can include antiemetics and adjustments to gastrointestinal function. However, it is also important to consider whether there are surgical conditions. If the child exhibits abdominal distension, poor mental state, or frequent vomiting, it is advisable to go to the hospital for examinations such as X-rays to rule out symptoms like intestinal obstruction.