Infant care 3. Cough and Cold Overview • Another common diagnosis in children is viral upper respiratory infection or the common cold. • Preschool children have between three and nine colds each year. • Children with a cold often present with: Sore throat Nasal congestion Rhinorrhea Sneezing Cough Irritability Clinical Presentation and Treatment * Case J.K. is a 3-month-old infant who began having nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, and cough yesterday. She has had no fever and is eating well, but did not sleep well last evening. J.K.s mother called her pediatrician and was told that J.K. most likely has a cold caused by a virus. How can J.K.s symptoms be treated? * Clinical Presentation according to case nasal congestion rhinorrhea cough did not sleep well last evening (irritability) no fever Treatment A cool mist humidifier can increase the amount of moisture in room air and decrease irritation in the upper airway when humidity is low. Saline nose drops If a topical intranasal decongestant is needed, phenylephrine would be preferred over oxymetazoline and xylometazoline, because of its lesser association with toxicity (e.g., sedation, convulsions, insomnia, and coma) in children < 6 years of age. Antihistamines are not effective for rhinorrhea caused by the common cold and should not be recommended. Antitussives also should not be used if the childs cough is productive, but might be helpful if a cough is dry and interferes with activities or sleep. Cough preparations containing guava leaves, anise, balsam, are preferred (Gauva™, Guavelex™, Balsam™, Sina dry™ , sina wet™, Pentamix syrup™) Cough suppressant formulations for children, including dextromethorphan or diphenhydramine Expectorants such as guaifenesin Vitamin C (Varolex-C™, C-Vit™, Cevelin™) for treatment or prevention of the common cold. Echinacea (Immulant™, Molone™) in children for treatment or prevention of the common cold. NB: If it is associated with fever, antibiotic and or antiviral is required
Posted on: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 02:48:33 +0000
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