Small children are particularly susceptible to pneumonia

A cold can sometimes lead to pneumonia in infants, the Munich-based professional association of paediatricians said. Certain viruses can cause serious obstructive bronchitis or pneumonia, said Ulrich Fegeler, a spokesman for the association. Breathing becomes especially difficult and requires a lot of effort. Children with such illnesses typically can be treated only in a hospital.

Even children who are not as critically ill often need inhalation therapy that includes medicines for opening the respiratory passages and reducing swelling, the association said. Breathing is so exhausting that the babies cannot be nursed. Their bodies lose fluids due to fever. Parents therefore must ensure their children get enough to drink.

In less serious cases, drops to reduce swelling of the nasal passages are helpful as is propping up the upper body in bed. The room also should be well ventilated and not too warm.

The contagion spreads through the air or is passed from person to person on dirty objects or on the hands. Only careful hygiene and avoiding people with colds can help reduce the risk of getting sick, said the association. Parents should consult a doctor if their children have a persistent cough.

"Young children should not be given medicine to loosen phlegm or nasal drops without a doctor's advice," said Fegeler.

When cough relief medicines, which are popular among parents, but viewed skeptically by paediatricians, are taken in combination with cough suppressants, it can lead to a dangerous backup of secretions.

"And some nasal drops can affect the circulation or damage the mucous membrane inside the nose," Fegeler warned.

Source:www.earthtimes.org