Respiratory infections in children are usually caused by viruses and affect the throat, nose, and airways. Colds and the flu are among the most common types.
Common symptoms include a runny nose, throat irritation, and cough. Diagnosis is generally based on these symptoms.
As a parent, it’s important to watch for the following symptoms in your child:
- Rapid or labored breathing.
- Nasal flaring.
- Head bobbing while breathing.
- Wheezing.
- Breathing that involves the stomach, or visible pulling in between the ribs or at the base of the neck.
If your child also shows any of the following symptoms, it’s recommended to see a pediatrician or go to the hospital for proper care:
- Difficulty breathing.
- Dehydration: in babies, this can be identified by fewer than one wet diaper in eight hours.
- Pauses in breathing.
- Pale or bluish color around the mouth, lips, or skin.
- Noticeable decrease in activity level or alertness.
- Symptoms that worsen after 72 hours.
In addition to following the pediatrician’s guidance for treating the underlying virus, you can help your child feel better by using saline nasal rinses, using a humidifier to help loosen nasal secretions, making sure they stay hydrated through food and fluids, and continuing exclusive breastfeeding for babies under six months old.
It’s also important to remember that frequent handwashing for both the child and caregivers is essential, and to keep up with the child’s vaccination schedule. For non-viral cases, antibiotics aren’t necessary.
At ABC Medical Center’s Pediatrics Center, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
