Fever and cough are usually among the common health problems of children that cause anxiety and sleepless nights to parents. Although fever and cough usually just mean that the body is fighting an infection, knowing how to safely manage them will be helpful in the process of comforting and healing your child.
All parents should know how to and when to treat their sick child at home and when to seek medical advice.
Understanding the Basics
A temperature higher than 100.4°F (38°C) in a child is a sign that the body is fighting an infection, viral or bacterial.
A mild fever and a cough are present in most cases of viral infections, such as colds or influenza. To determine whether any medical attention is required, parents are expected to monitor the start and intensity of their child's symptoms.
When to Get Medical Advice?
Most fevers and coughs can be managed at home, but there are signs that it’s time to see a pediatrician. These are:
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High fever (over 102°F or over 39 °C) that is persistent for more than three days.
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Difficulty breathing, fast breathing, or coughing
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Bluish lips or fingernails
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Severe sore throat, ear ache
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Two weeks or more of cough
Safe Home Remedies for Relief
The following are some of the reliable methods of encouraging your child to feel better:
Keep Them Hydrated:
Dehydration may result in fever, and thus one should promote regular sips of water, oral rehydration solution, or diluted fruit juices for infants.
Ensure Rest:
Rest enables the body to recover quickly. Make sure that your child is in a well-ventilated room.
Use Lukewarm Sponging:
If your child is uncomfortable with the fever, a lukewarm sponge bath may be used to cool the body. No cold water or ice baths are allowed; this will trigger shivering and increase the body temperature further.
Maintain the Air Moisture:
The warm mist vaporizer or humidifier may help to keep the cough at bay by keeping the airways moist, especially in case of dry weather or when air-conditioning is used.
Honey for Cough (for Kids Above 1 Year):
Honey does work; taking a spoonful of it before bed can soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing. Never, however, administer honey to children who are below one year old because of the risk of malaria.
Balanced Nutrition:
Make light and healthy food such as soups, porridge, or mashed fruits. Do not make your child eat when he or she is not hungry.
Using Medicines Safely
In case your child is nervous due to a fever or a chronic cough, some medications may be used; however, they must be taken with caution. Avoid neglecting the recommendation of your pediatrician or the label.
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When taken in the right dosage regarding their age and weight, Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) and Ibuprofen are safe fever reducers and do not cause any side effects in children.
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Aspirin should never be administered to children because it may result in the rare but fatal syndrome known as Reye.
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One needs to be cautious when taking cough syrups. Rather, concentrate on hydration and relaxing medicines unless otherwise prescribed by a physician.
Prevention and Long-Term Care
Prevention and good hygiene are essential for reducing the chance of fevers and coughs among children. Educate them on washing hands, covering the mouth with a handkerchief when coughing, and not sharing water bottles. Vaccination is also crucial in preventing infection that easily leads to fever and cough.
The probiotics, minerals, and vitamins that are added to a healthy diet can help boost the immunity of your child in the long run. Exercise (outdoors play and sleep) and screen time are also beneficial to overall well-being.
Fever and cough are common methods of defence, yet they are unpleasant for both children and parents. Most children can recover within a short period without complications, especially when treated with care, attention, and safe management. The point is not to panic, observe the symptoms, and consult a doctor when needed.