children s health issues
Overview of Viral Respiratory Tract Infections in Children
Treatment of Viral Respiratory Infections
Rest and fluids Medications for fever and pain Antibiotics are not given because they cannot cure viral respiratory tract infections. Children with respiratory tract infections need additional rest and adequate fluid intake.Acetaminophenor nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such asibuprofen, can be given for fever and aches. In infants and young children, congestion may be relieved somewhat by using a cool-mist vaporizer to humidify the air and by suctioning the mucus from the nose with a rubber suction bulb. There are Antiviral drugs that can be used in children. However, these drugs work only if taken within the first day or two after symptoms begin, and they shorten the duration of fever and symptoms only by a day or so and are not often used in otherwise healthy children. School-aged children may take a nonprescription (over-the-counter) decongestant for bothersome nasal congestion, but they often do not help. Infants and young children are particularly sensitive to the side effects of decongestants and may develop agitation, confusion, hallucinations, lethargy, and rapid heart rate, so they should never be given decongestants. 