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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Differences between viral colds and bacterial colds in children

When children have a viral cold, they have a runny nose with clear mucus, whereas bacterial colds usually do not involve a runny nose, or the discharge is purulent. In viral colds, children may have a fever but generally remain in good spirits, and their spirits return to normal after the fever subsides. In contrast, with bacterial colds, children experience fluctuating high temperatures, poor spirits after the fever subsides, and may show symptoms such as chills and cold hands and feet. Viral colds typically present more nasal discharge than throat symptoms; when the tonsils are inflamed, they appear smooth and bright red, whereas in bacterial colds, the inflamed tonsils are uneven, dull, and sometimes with visible pus spots.

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Can you drink chicken soup when you have a cold?

Chicken soup is nutritious and delicious, and many people like to drink it. So, can you still drink chicken soup after catching a cold? If the symptoms of the cold are mild and there are no significant systemic symptoms such as fever, nausea, or loss of appetite, it is okay to drink chicken soup. However, it is generally advised to drink less and keep it light. Additionally, if the cold symptoms are severe, such as significant fever, reduced appetite, or if it is a gastrointestinal cold with clear abdominal discomfort, it is not recommended to drink chicken soup.

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What to do if you have a cold and inflammation during pregnancy?

If you have inflammation symptoms with a cold, it's likely due to bacterial or viral infection causing the inflammation. It's advisable to take anti-inflammatory and anti-infection medications under a doctor's guidance. Before taking any medication, it's best to get a routine blood test to identify the cause of infection and then use the appropriate medications. During pregnancy, the situation is quite special, and it's recommended not to take medications blindly as it may worsen the situation. Therefore, it's important to treat the symptoms accurately. You should also ensure to drink plenty of water, rest adequately, avoid staying up late, and ensure sufficient sleep to boost your immune system. Additionally, if the condition is serious, it's best to be hospitalized for observation and active symptomatic treatment.

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Is a baby more likely to catch a cold if they are deficient in zinc?

Babies with zinc deficiency are prone to catching colds, as zinc is an important trace element in the human body. When zinc is deficient, it significantly impacts the baby’s immune system, making them susceptible to catching colds, repeatedly suffering from respiratory infections, and experiencing a prolonged duration of illness. Zinc plays a critical physiological role in the growth and development of the human body, regulates the development of the immune system, and is crucial for sexual maturation. Besides causing repeated respiratory infections, zinc deficiency can also lead to stunted growth and development. Zinc-deficient babies are noticeably shorter and weigh less than their peers, potentially leading to poor appetite, anorexia, and even pica, a condition where children may crave non-food items like paper, soil, or coal slag. Zinc-deficient children are also prone to various types of dermatitis, such as mouth ulcers, glossitis, and various skin diseases. In severe cases of zinc deficiency, it can lead to delayed development of secondary sexual characteristics.

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Which department should I go to if I have a cold during pregnancy?

When pregnant and catching a cold, one should visit the gynecology department or the respiratory department for treatment. During a cold, it is advisable to drink plenty of water and rest more. Medication during pregnancy needs to be cautious to avoid arbitrary use, especially of hormones and antiviral drugs. Medication should be decided under the guidance of a doctor, based on specific symptoms, timing of pregnancy, and related examinations. Generally, it is possible to take vitamin preparations or traditional Chinese medicine aimed at symptomatic treatment. In the mid to late stages of pregnancy, there are generally more options for choosing medications compared to the early stages, where primarily vitamin supplements are selected to help restore body functions.