Nurture - Pakistan's Pioneer Publication on Early Childhood Development

COUGHS

Coughs are a reflex that forces air from the lungs with a sudden noise. It is a symptom for a wide group of diseases.

How do your kids catch a cough?

Coughs are the symptoms of a variety of diseases. They can be caused by several reasons. Some common ones are:

Cold viruses often cause a postnasal drip and that causes a cough. This is the most common cause for a cough.

Pneumonia, which is an infection in the lungs, may be caused by viruses or bacteria. Children with pneumonia can barely appear sick with low-grade fever and a mild cough or be very ill with high fevers and labored breathing.

Asthma may cause coughing and wheezing. This may be triggered by viruses, exercise or an allergic trigger like dust, smoke, mold or pets. Foreign body aspiration should be suspected if there is a history of a coughing or choking episode with eating.

How can you help your kids?

a) Medications. Coughs may be a helpful mechanism for the body to protect the lungs, which is why they do not always need to be suppressed. If the cough interferes with your child’s sleep or school or work, a cough suppressant may be helpful. They should not be used for children under one year of age without discussing with a pediatrician. Cough drops are not recommended in young children because of a choking risk. If the cough worsens please take your child to a doctor.

b) Humidifiers. These are helpful, especially if a dry cough is present. If your child is having a coughing spasm that is difficult to stop, a session in a steamy bathroom with the shower running may be helpful. Humidifiers must be kept clean and if possible, distilled water is recommended.

c) Diet. Make sure your child is staying well-hydrated and is not consuming a food item that that s/he may be allergic or sensitive to.

FLU

The flu is caused by the influenza virus. Anyone who's at risk of getting really sick (especially babies under 2 years of age) need to get a flu shot or vaccine.

How do your kids catch flu?

The influenza virus gets around in little drops that spray out of an infected person's mouth and nose when he or she sneezes or coughs. Your child can catch the flu from someone who has the flu if they breathe in some of those tiny flu-infected drops. Your child can also catch the flu if those drops get on his/her hands and s/he touches his/her mouth or nose.

Symptoms
The virus causes an infection that result in fever, chills, cough, body aches, headaches, earaches, sinus problems.

How can you help your kids?

When your kids are down with the flu, make sure that they:

Drink lots of liquids, like water, chicken broth, and other fluids.

Get plenty of sleep. If they can't sleep anymore, help them rest.

Wash their hands! You don't want them to catch the germs that cause the flu. Also, ask them not to share cups and eating utensils, like forks and spoons, with anyone.