Cough and Cold

Subject: Child Health Nursing

Overview

The upper respiratory tract is infected with the common cold, which is brought on by several viruses. It is one of the more prevalent illnesses in children. Adenovirus, influenza, and parainfluenza viruses are the most prevalent viruses. Overcrowding, emotional distress, fatigue, and poor nutritional status are all risk factors for the common cold. The typical cold's clinical symptoms include fever, sneezing, rhinorrhea, breathing issues, and others. Additionally, a cough is a crucial respiratory system defense mechanism that aids in clearing the infected secretion from the trachea and bronchi. It is also one of the most prevalent symptoms of both acute and chronic respiratory tract infections.Keep the child warm in a comfortable position, encourage them to drink lots of hot beverages, give them steam inhalation if necessary, give them nasal decongestant according to prescription, and, if possible, encourage the child to bring out expectoration. If the cough is not controlled, refer the child to a medical facility.

Cold (common cold)

The upper respiratory tract is infected with the common cold, which is brought on by numerous viruses. It is one of the more prevalent illnesses in children. Adenovirus, influenza, and parainfluenza viruses are the most prevalent viruses.

Incubation period
3 to 5 days to weeks

Risk factors

  • Poor nutritional status of children
  • Fatigue
  • Emotionally upset
  • Overcrowding

Clinical presentations

  • Fever up to 104-degree f
  • Sneezing
  • Rhinorrhea
  • Breathing difficulty
  • Difficulty in sucking and malaise

Diagnosis

  • History and presentations of the children.

Treatment

The focus of treatment is symptom management, which includes:

  • Medications that reduce fever, such as paracetamol.
  • For nasal congestion, use nasal decongestant drops such as beclomethasone, phenylephrine, or cromolyn sodium. Apply topically 4-6 times daily.
  • Encourage drinking a lot of hot beverages orally.
  • Continue nursing and eating a healthy diet.
  • Avoid being around an environment that is too cold and dusty.
  • Home remedies include Tulasi tea, honey, and a teaspoon of the Tulasi mixture twice daily.

Complication

  • Laryngitis
  • Sinusitis
  • Pneumonia
  • Otitis media
  • Bronchiolitis

 

Cough

Coughing is one of the most prevalent signs of both acute and chronic respiratory tract infections. It is also a vital respiratory system defense mechanism that aids in clearing the infected secretion from the trachea and bronchi.

Causes

  • Mucus overproduction and overflow into the pharynx.
  • Middle or lower respiratory tract inflammation
  • Irritating substances.

Clinical presentation

A cough that is severe or persistent, dry or productive, and may have a fever or not.

Treatment

  • Removal of the root
  • Hot beverages if necessary
  • 3–4 times a day, or as necessary, clean your nose
  • Psychological assistance

Nursing care of child with cold and cough

  • Place the child in a cozy spot and keep them warm.
  • Encourage drinking a lot of hot beverages.
  • If necessary, provide steam inhalation.
  • As directed, give nasal decongestant.
  • Avoid being around extreme temperatures and dusty environments.
  • Advice for self-care.
  • If at all feasible, encourage a youngster to cough out expectoration; if the cough cannot be managed, refer the child to a medical facility.
  • Teach your mother to clean the nose areas with soft cotton soaked in regular saline three to four times each day.

 
Things to remember
  • The upper respiratory tract is infected with the common cold, which is brought on by several viruses.
  • It is one of the more prevalent illnesses in children.
  • Adenovirus, influenza virus, and para-influenza virus are the most prevalent viruses.
  • The typical cold's clinical symptoms include fever, sneezing, rhinorrhea, breathing issues, and others.
  • Coughing is one of the most prevalent signs of both acute and chronic respiratory tract infections. It is also a vital respiratory system defense mechanism that aids in clearing the infected discharge from the trachea and bronchi.
  • Keep the child warm in a comfortable position, encourage them to drink lots of hot beverages, give them steam inhalation if necessary, give them nasal decongestant according to prescription, and, if possible, encourage the child to bring out expectoration. If the cough is not controlled, refer the child to a medical facility.
Questions and Answers

The upper respiratory tract is infected with the common cold, which is brought on by several viruses. It is one of the more prevalent illnesses in children. Adenovirus, influenza, and parainfluenza viruses are the most prevalent viruses. Coughing is one of the most prevalent signs of both acute and chronic respiratory tract infections. It is also a vital respiratory system defense mechanism that aids in clearing the infected secretion from the trachea and bronchi.

Treatment:

The focus of treatment is symptom management, which includes:

  • Medications that reduce fever, such as paracetamol.
  • For nasal congestion, use nasal decongestant drops such as beclomethasone, phenylephrine, or cromolyn sodium. Apply topically 4-6 times daily.
  • Encourage drinking a lot of hot beverages orally.
  • Continue nursing and eating a healthy diet.
  • Avoid being around an environment that is too cold and dusty.
  • Home remedies include Tulasi tea, honey, and a teaspoon of the Tulasi mixture twice daily.

Treatment:

  • Removal of the root
  • Hot beverages if necessary
  • 3–4 times per day, or as necessary, clean your nose
  • Psychological assistance

Nursing care of child with cold and cough

  • Place the child in a cozy spot and keep them warm.
  • Encourage drinking a lot of hot beverages.
  • If necessary, provide steam inhalation.
  • As directed, give nasal decongestant.
  • Avoid being around extreme temperatures and dusty environments.
  • Advice for self-care.
  • If at all possible, encourage a child to cough out expectoration; if the cough cannot be controlled, refer the child to a medical facility.

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