How to Care for a Sick Child with Cough and Cold Symptoms: Tips from a Pediatrician

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — Children, especially those who are not even five years old, tend to be more susceptible to coughs and colds than adults. If the complaints that arise are still mild, the child should not be immediately given antibiotics.

Pediatrician at Pondok Indah – Puri Indah Hospital, Cynthia Rindang Kusumaningtyas, said that children are more vulnerable because their body’s immunity is not yet fully formed. Therefore, the strength of the child’s body to ward off disease is lower when compared to adults.

Cough and cold symptoms in children can appear for various reasons. Apart from exposure to viruses, coughs and colds can also occur due to the effects of air pollution, such as vehicle fumes to cigarette smoke and factory smoke.

“Dirt and toxic substances can irritate the airways, triggering a reflex to cough,” said Dr. Cynthia via email received Republika.co.idThursday (8/6).

In general, coughs and colds with mild symptoms usually only require treatment that relieves symptoms or is supportive. According to Dr. Cynthia, children who have coughs and colds should not be given antibiotics immediately without a doctor’s advice.

“Using antibiotics without a prescription actually risks causing bacterial resistance in the child’s body to these antibiotics,” said Dr. Cynthia.

According to Dr. Cynthia, there are seven things that parents can do at home to care for children who have coughs and colds. Here are the seven things.

Enough liquid

Sufficient fluids can speed up the healing process of coughing in children. By drinking enough water, the airways don’t become dry and the mucus becomes watery so it’s easy to expel.

Give honey

Honey has antibacterial properties so it can fight infections that cause coughs. Just give one tablespoon for children over one year old.

Provide warm food and drink

Consumption of food and drinks that are warm and juicy can help relieve the symptoms that arise.

Get enough rest

Adequate sleep increases the body’s resistance to fighting microorganisms, especially viruses and bacteria. Sleep also accelerates the recovery and repair of damaged body cells.