Prophylaxis
Infants suffer more often from a cold. This cannot be prevented completely. However, there are measures that parents can take to at least prevent an infection of the baby.
The contact of the infant as well as the own person with sick persons, i.e. cold friends, relatives, children etc. should be avoided to prevent an infection. It is also advisable to use a humidifier in heated rooms to prevent the nasal mucous membrane from drying out.
Good hand hygiene for people who have contact with the baby is also recommended, as a great many germs can be transmitted via the hands. In general, breastfeeding babies is also very good for good immune defence. Mothers should therefore breastfeed their babies if possible to strengthen their immune system.
Avoid infection
Once the child has been infected, one should avoid going to community meetings with the child, at least during the peak phase of the disease. If the child has played with his or her toys, you can wash them off in between. During this time, it should be kept away from tobacco smoke all the more so as not to further irritate the respiratory tract.
Visits from friends or relatives can perhaps be postponed to a time when everyone involved is as healthy as possible. As a parent, you can of course also be affected by a cold. You can try to avoid infecting your child, although this is usually rather difficult.
For example, you can wash your hands regularly to reduce the number of germs on your hands. Also 1x handkerchiefs reduce the germs because they can be disposed of directly. Regular airing ensures a good room climate and reduces the pathogens floating in the air. When sneezing or coughing sneeze under the arm rather than in the hands. It is also quite normal for family members to infect each other.
Summary
Children can already be affected by rhinitis in infancy. This can occur up to 10 times in one cold season. The immune system has yet to get to know many pathogens in order to develop a suitable defense.
Against some pathogens, the immune system can only produce an answer after contact with them. Just as important in the development or prevention of a cold are the mucous membranes in the nose, mouth and throat. Their composition forms a barrier against pathogens of all kinds, dust and dirt.
It is covered with movable cilia that transport particles from the air back outwards. At the same time, the mucous membrane is covered by a secretion, binding particles and thus preventing them from further entering the body. To be able to perform their function adequately, the mucous membranes must therefore always be moistened.
Dehydration caused by dry room air or an environment that is too cool favors colonization with viruses and bacteria. Cold is much more often caused by viruses, but bacteria sometimes take advantage of the temporary weakness of the immune system and also occupy the mucous membranes. The connections between the nasal passages and the nasopharynx are correspondingly small to the small body size.If the mucous membrane of the nose now swells a little, the infant gets badly air through the nose and begins to breathe more through the mouth.
The mucous membranes continue to dry out and make it easier for viruses to colonize. After sufficient multiplication, the barrier is finally broken through and an infection is triggered. Colonization of the nose can also quickly lead to an expansion of the infection into neighboring areas such as the ear or throat or lungs.
Here too, the close proximity of the different areas favors easy spread. In the case of a simple cold, the cold heals by itself, even in an infant, without causing major problems. It can disappear again within a week, but can also persist for 2-3 weeks. The most frequent colds occur in the winter months.
