Active Children Outdoors Vulnerable to Having Cold Coughs

Outdoor play is an excellent activity for children. In addition to making it healthier, this activity can also train children to socialize. Even so, some parents may worry that their children will become susceptible to coughing colds. Is that true? Parents do have to be very clever to protect children when they are outdoors. Because, playing outdoors can make children more exposed to dust and air pollution, hot or cold temperatures, and various germs. This makes him vulnerable to coughing colds, especially if his body condition is not fit.

The Relationship of Outdoor Playing with Cold Cough in Children

There are several reasons why children who are active outdoors are more prone to catching a cold cough. Here are some of them:

1. Playing outdoors during the rainy season

Children are more susceptible to colds when the rainy season arrives. Apart from rain water which may contain pollutants and dirt, cold air when it rains also makes the child's body try hard to increase body temperature quickly, so it does not get cold. This can make him tired and decreased endurance, making it easier to get sick. Therefore, in order for children to avoid coughing colds during the rainy season, limit playing time and do not allow children to play outdoors when it is raining.

2. contracting friends who are sick

If when playing or doing activities outside the home, there is one of his playmates who are coughing colds, Little can be infected. Especially if the immune system is decreasing, your child can more easily contract the disease.

3. Exposed to pollution

When doing outdoor activities, children are usually more exposed to air pollution. This can make a child vulnerable to irritation and respiratory infections. No wonder if they often experience cough colds. For that, you need to make sure the school or Little Playground is far from the busy highway of vehicles, to minimize exposure to air pollution. Don't forget, cigarette smoke also includes air pollution which must be avoided.

4. Too tired to play

Children often forget time because they are too busy playing. That is the reason why you need to limit playing time, so that your little one is not exhausted. Too tired can reduce the immune system of children, making it more susceptible to diseases, including cold coughs.

5. Not maintaining good hygiene

Children who often move outdoors are prone to catching a cold cough if they do not maintain good hygiene, for example not washing their hands after playing. Remind Your Child to be more careful in maintaining cleanliness, because in facilities and public places, including playgrounds, there are more germs that cause disease.

How to Overcome Coughs in Colds in Children

If the child has already had a cold cough, parents can do the following things to ease their symptoms and speed up their recovery:

1. Ensuring adequate fluid intake

Providing adequate fluid intake can help relieve colds in children. Your child's fluid needs can be met by giving him water, fresh fruit juice, or warm chicken soup.

2. Provides food that is easily swallowed

When coughing colds, your baby's throat may feel uncomfortable when swallowing food. Therefore, give your child food with a soft texture, making it easier to swallow. Warm chicken soup, porridge, and team rice can be food choices to be served when a child has a sore throat.

3. Give honey

Although it has no direct effect, giving honey to children can help relieve a cold cough. By consuming honey, children can sleep more soundly so that they recover faster from colds. In addition, honey is also known to have antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help the recovery of cough colds in children. But remember, do not give honey to children under 1 year.

4. Gives steam

Inhaling steam can help relieve a child's breathing when he has a cold cough. One way, take Little to the bathroom, then turn on the hot shower. Let the warm steam fill the bathroom, so your little one can breathe it.

5. Apply a special balm for children

To help your child feel more comfortable when sick, you can apply special balm on the child's chest and back area. This method can also help relieve symptoms of cough colds in infants and children. However, do not carelessly choose balm. Choose a special balm for children that contains natural ingredients, such as chamomile and eucalyptus. The content of chamomile in balm has a calming effect, so that Little can sleep more soundly, while eucalyptus can help overcome nasal congestion. To deal with cough colds in children, give medicines according to doctor's orders. Parents should not give any over-the-counter medicines, because they are at risk of causing serious side effects, especially if they don't pay attention to the dosage properly. In addition to taking the steps above, make sure the child gets enough rest or sleep, and keep the bedroom clean. If a cold cough in a child does not heal, consult a doctor for further treatment.