Because their immune system is still developing, newborns and infants can catch the common cold in the period of increased cases of infections of the upper respiratory tract. In such a situation it is worth consulting a pediatrician immediately (especially with an infant) because treating such young children requires specialised procedures.
Remember that treating the common cold in infants consists, above all, of alleviating the symptoms of the infection. This can be achieved by administering the following preparations:
Reducing increased body temperature - suppositories with paracetamol or ibuprofen – with painkilling and fever reducing effects; children older than 3 months may be given a preparation in the form of a syrup. It is important to regularly give liquids to the child during a fever.
Fighting rhinitis – rhinitis in infants may be alleviated by rinsing the nose with a saline solution (available in pharmacies over the counter) or with a solution of sea salt. Mucus secretions from the nose can be safely removed using a special nasal aspirator. Remember to place the child asleep on their side (so secretions from the nose don’t flow into the throat) and humidify the air.
Soothing sore throat - if you suspect that an infant has a sore throat (cries when swallowing food, makes a grimace when swallowing saliva) – you may give the child a painkilling suppository (with paracetamol or ibuprofen) remembering about the daily maximum dose of this medication (always specified on the package or the safety leaflet).
When you treat the common cold in infants, remember to only administer medications suitable for such a young baby. In the case of a high fever in a newborn or an infant, consult a physician immediately.
Remember that treating the common cold in infants consists, above all, of alleviating the symptoms of the infection. This can be achieved by administering the following preparations:
Reducing increased body temperature - suppositories with paracetamol or ibuprofen – with painkilling and fever reducing effects; children older than 3 months may be given a preparation in the form of a syrup. It is important to regularly give liquids to the child during a fever.
Fighting rhinitis – rhinitis in infants may be alleviated by rinsing the nose with a saline solution (available in pharmacies over the counter) or with a solution of sea salt. Mucus secretions from the nose can be safely removed using a special nasal aspirator. Remember to place the child asleep on their side (so secretions from the nose don’t flow into the throat) and humidify the air.
Soothing sore throat - if you suspect that an infant has a sore throat (cries when swallowing food, makes a grimace when swallowing saliva) – you may give the child a painkilling suppository (with paracetamol or ibuprofen) remembering about the daily maximum dose of this medication (always specified on the package or the safety leaflet).
When you treat the common cold in infants, remember to only administer medications suitable for such a young baby. In the case of a high fever in a newborn or an infant, consult a physician immediately.
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This information is provided for your reference only and it is not to be relied upon on its own as instructions for use of this medication. It is not a replacement for and should only be used in conjunction with full consultation with a licensed healthcare professional, the information provided by your pharmacist and the manufacturer of the medication. It may not contain all the available information you require and cannot substitute professional medical care, nor does it take into account all individual circumstances. Other than liability for death or personal injury arising out of our negligence, we shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise.
