Children frequently catch colds and coughs, especially during seasonal changes or when exposed to other sick children. While common colds are usually mild, they can cause discomfort and worry for parents. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and remedies can help manage these illnesses effectively.
What’s the Difference Between Bronchitis and the Common Cold?
It can be tricky to determine whether your symptoms are actually the result of a common cold, bronchitis, or another type of infection.
Bronchitis is a lower respiratory infection, while colds are upper respiratory infections, but their symptoms are similar.
Bronchitis starts out with symptoms much like a common cold. But then it gets worse, causing coughing and a high-pitched whistling sound when breathing out called wheezing. Sometimes children have trouble breathing.
At what ages is it common for kids to be sick frequently?
Children under 7 years old have immature immune systems. Young children — especially those who may be attending school or daycare are being exposed to new environments and new pathogens or germs, that they haven’t experienced before.
At school or daycare, young kids may spread germs more easily because they don’t know how to cough or sneeze while covering their mouths. In addition, the upper airways of young children aren’t fully developed until they are of school age, which puts them at risk for more frequent viral and bacterial infections. Younger children also tend to put their hands in their mouths, so the germs they touch on surfaces will end up being ingested.
Because of these reasons, kids may develop illnesses frequently.
What causes common cold, cough and bronchitis in a child?
The common cold is primarily caused by viruses, with rhinoviruses being the most common culprit. Other viruses such as coronavirus, adenovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can also lead to cold-like symptoms. These viruses spread through:
- Direct contact with infected individuals
- Touching contaminated surfaces
- Airborne droplets from sneezing and coughing
Acute bronchitis is most often caused by a viral infection. It may also be caused by bacteria or things, such as dust, allergens, strong fumes, or tobacco smoke.
Chronic bronchitis results from constant irritation of the bronchial tubes, often caused by smoking
In children, the most common cause of acute bronchitis is a virus. The illness may develop after a cold or other viral infection in the nose, mouth, or throat (upper respiratory tract). Such illnesses can spread easily from direct contact with a person who is sick.
What are the symptoms of common cold, cough and Bronchitis?
Children with a cold may experience:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Mild fever
- Coughing
- Fatigue and irritability
- Loss of appetite
While, Acute Bronchitis in children may often start with the following symptoms:
- Coughs (with or without mucus)
- Chest discomfort or soreness
- Fatigue
- Mild headache
- Body aches
- Sore throat
Other symptoms may include:
- Wheezing (a whistling breath sound)
- Low-grade fever
- Chills
- Shortness of breath
- Exercising or running stairs is often difficult as the compromised lungs are unable to meet the growing requirements of oxygen.
Homeopathy can significantly help people suffering from both types of bronchitis and can provide safe and effective treatment.
Which children are at risk for acute bronchitis?
Children who have a higher chance of developing acute bronchitis are those who have:
- Chronic sinusitis
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Enlarged tonsils and adenoids
- Exposure to secondhand smoke
- Have other serious health conditions
How to prevent your child to get sick
- Avoid dust, chemicals, and air pollution
- Always keep your child’s hands clean.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
- Keep your child away from others who are sick
- Avoid sharing utensils, toys, and other personal items with sick individuals.
- Keep your child’s toys and all surfaces clean.
- Ensure a balanced diet with immune-boosting foods like fruits and vegetables.
How homeopathy help in bronchitis in children
Homeopathic treatment can provide effective help in all kinds of acute respiratory infection, from colds and flu to bronchitis and pneumonia.
Aconite nap – an excellent remedy for acute bronchitis; hoarse, dry, croupy cough, loud, labored breathing; cough worse at night or after midnight; constant pressure in the left chest; shortness of breast; stitches through the left chest; tingling in the chest after cough; great anxiety and restlessness associated with complains.
Drosera – important remedy for the cases of chronic bronchitis with spasmodic cough; dry Irritative cough; worse after midnight; yellow expectoration; difficulty in taking solid food.
Ipecac – excellent remedy for bronchitis of infants; a sense of suffocation; cough with loud wheezing; chest seems full of phlegm; yearly attacks of shortness of breath; great nausea.
Rumex– dry teasing cough, preventing sleep; aggravated by pressure, talking, and by inhaling cold air, and at night; thin watery, frothy expectoration by the mouthfuls, soreness behind sternum.
Do not take medicine without consulting homeopathy doctor.
Hoome remedies and management of common cold, cough and bronchitis in children:
It is difficult to see your child suffer from constant runny nose, sneezing and coughing. Following home remedies can help alleviate symptoms:
- Rest and Hydration: Ensure your child gets plenty of rest and drinks warm fluids such as soup or herbal tea.
- Saline Nasal Drops: Help clear nasal congestion by using saline drops or sprays.
- Steam Inhalation: Sitting in a steamy bathroom or using a humidifier can help ease congestion.
- Honey and Warm Water: A teaspoon of honey mixed in warm water can soothe a sore throat (for children over one year old).
- Elevated Head Position: Keeping the child’s head elevated while sleeping can help reduce coughing.
- Nutritious Diet: Providing vitamin-rich foods can strengthen the immune system.
Why Cosmic Homeo Healing Centre?
At our Cosmic Homeo Healing Centre, under the able guidance of second generation Homeopathic Doctor, Dr Mahavrat S Patel, our team of experts have helped thousands of cases of cold, cough, bronchitis and other infections with homeopathic medicines for permanent and long lasting relief.