Health » Coughing, cold and sore throats: here’s how to protect ourselves

Coughing, cold and sore throats: here’s how to protect ourselves

Every parent’s nightmare coming true in November, punctually as a Swiss watch: a season of coughing attacks and cold for their children. This prefect timing is thanks to the weakening of the body’s natural defenses, which comes together with the temperature drop of the arriving winter season. A weakening of the natural defenses leads to increased contact between mucous membrane and external agents, such as microorganisms or smog particles, resulting in increased risk of throat and nose inflammation. Inflammation of the mucous membrane may also come from a viral or bacterial infection; in this case the reopening of schools and nurseries is the main reason for illnesses.
Why is it more risky for children than for adults?
The body of a child is not yet fully developed and so it is more fragile than that of an adult. As a result, viruses and bacteria can attack easier, especially in environments where they can proliferate, such as nurseries and kindergarten. Not all illnesses are only about harm, the first flu is very important for kids, as it is essential for the development of their immune defenses by creating the so-called “immune memory”.
What should we avoid?
Taking immediately antibiotics is definitely not the best choice. Antibiotics are useful only for the treatment of the symptoms caused by some form of bacteria, but symptoms such as cold and coughing are not necessarily related to bacterial forms. In addition, excessive use of antibiotics may result in allergies or other undesirable effects that in a longer period of time, may weaken the immune system: the risk is that more microorganism strains can become more resistant therefore more complicated to defeat.
On the contrary, antibiotics are necessary in case of tonsillitis, but it is strongly recommended to consult a pediatrician before taking them. Another mistake to avoid is not leaving enough time for recovery: the first days after the illness are crucial for a complete recovery of kids. It is better to wait one day more before sending them back to school.
What can you do to prevent seasonal illnesses?
Protecting mucous membranes is by far the most effective solution if we want to reduce the discomfort caused by the symptoms of flu. There are specific formulations that are able to create a real defensive barrier on the respiratory tract. One of them is hyaluronic acid, which is crucial for the recovery of its natural function. The products containing hyaluronic acid are helping kids’ organism to restore the proper functioning of the nasal mucosa. They usually are taken locally and come in form of sprays. This is thanks to the ability to penetrate into the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract, hydrating it and defeating symptoms, such as burning and itching. In addition, products based on hyaluronic acid are able to improve the ciliary beat and hence they are useful for improving the quality of breathing.

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