What are some cold medicines for babies?

Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
Updated on November 09, 2024
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When a baby catches a cold, it indicates that the child has an acute upper respiratory infection, which is mostly caused by viral infections, with about 10% due to bacterial infections. Therefore, when a child catches a cold, it is crucial to ensure they rest adequately and take some cold medications. The commonly used cold medications primarily involve symptomatic treatments. For high fever, antipyretic analgesics can be administered, and physical cooling measures such as cold compresses may also be applied. When a child experiences febrile convulsions, sedatives and anticonvulsants should be given; for nasal congestion, topical medications can be applied to alleviate nasal congestion. If the child’s throat is uncomfortable, throat lozenges can be taken. For the common cold, antiviral drugs do not have a specialized therapeutic effect. Thus, drinking more water is advisable. If it is confirmed that the cold is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics should be administered under the guidance of a hospital doctor. (Note: This answer is for reference only. Medications should be administered under the guidance of a professional physician. Do not self-medicate.)

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Is vomiting a symptom of a cold caused by wind-cold or wind-heat?

In cases of vomiting, whether it is due to a cold caused by wind-cold or wind-heat, both can lead to the occurrence of vomiting. Therefore, vomiting alone cannot be used to determine the specific type of cold causing it. It still requires the identification through other symptoms. For example, a wind-cold is mainly caused by exposure to cold, while wind-heat is due to excessive heat turning into fire. There are also differences in the treatment of the two, and they cannot be treated in the same way. For a wind-cold, treatment mainly involves warm-natured medicines, while for wind-heat, cool-natured medicines are primarily used.

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Is the common cold in autumn a wind-heat cold or a wind-cold cold?

In autumn, the temperature difference between day and night increases, and the weather also becomes drier, which leads to the anticipated arrival of colds. If the cold is accompanied by clear nasal discharge and symptoms like sneezing, then it is classified as a cold caused by wind-cold. If during the cold, thick yellow nasal discharge occurs, along with a hoarse voice and sore throat, these symptoms can be identified as a wind-heat cold. After catching a cold, it is important to keep warm to avoid catching cold again, eat more fruits and vegetables, improve physical fitness, and enhance immunity.

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The difference between viral and bacterial colds

The main differences between viral and bacterial colds are: First, the pathogens are different. Viral colds are primarily caused by viruses, while bacterial colds are mainly caused by bacterial infections. Second, the characteristics of contagion differ. Viral colds generally have stronger contagiousness, such as influenza, which has distinct characteristics of outbreaks and often occurs seasonally in spring and winter, with a sudden onset. Bacterial colds are less contagious and typically occur sporadically. Third, the symptoms differ. Generally, viral colds mainly present symptoms of nasal congestion, runny nose, and other upper respiratory catarrhal symptoms. Bacterial colds mainly present with fever, sore throat, tonsillitis, and other symptoms. Fourth, in terms of examinations, a typical hemogram for viral colds usually shows normal or low white blood cells, with an increase in lymphocytes, while bacterial colds often show an increase in white blood cells or neutrophils. Fifth, the treatment approaches differ. Treatment for viral colds primarily includes antiviral therapy, nutritional support, ventilation, and hydration. Bacterial colds are mainly treated with antibiotics and anti-infection therapies.

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What should I do if I have a cold with headache and fever?

When experiencing symptoms of a cold such as headache and fever, one should first measure their body temperature and adopt corresponding treatment measures based on the severity of the fever. Fever can cause headaches, fatigue, body aches, and may even lead to complications like nausea and vomiting. If the body temperature does not exceed 38℃ (100.4°F), one can take vitamin supplements, drink ginger tea, and use physical methods to reduce fever. If the body temperature is above 38℃ (100.4°F), one may consider taking antipyretic and pain-relieving medications like ibuprofen or aspirin to alleviate symptoms. Generally, once the body temperature returns to normal, headache symptoms will gradually improve or disappear. (The use of medications should be based on specific conditions and under the guidance of a doctor.)

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How to distinguish between bacterial cold and viral cold?

Viral colds primarily affect the nasal area, with severe runny nose that is mostly clear and lacks pus-like discharge. When coughing, there is little phlegm. Symptoms of bacterial colds mainly occur in the tonsils and throat, showing redness and swelling of the throat, enlarged tonsils, and throat pain. The nasal discharge is generally thick, and the cough brings up thick phlegm. Viral colds do not show any abnormalities in routine blood tests, whereas bacterial colds often display an increase in white blood cells.