2023-06-22 15:29:50
What is nasopharyngitis?
Nasopharyngitis commonly called common cold ” is a infection virale which affects the mucous membrane that lines the nasal cavity and the pharynx (from the back of the nasal cavity to the back of the throat).
More than 200 different virus species can cause nasopharyngitis (this is particularly the case with rhinoviruses, influenzae, coronaviruses, etc.).
These viruses cause inflammation :
of the nasal mucosa which swells, producing an increased amount of mucus to help flush viruses out of the nasal cavity. It is the famous runny nose that does not spare infants;tissues of the gorge who are irritated, which can cause significant sore throator even a dry cough. Sometimes these signs are associated with fever. Indeed, the rise in body temperature promotes the neutralization of the virus.
Nasopharyngitis is very common in infants: according to the Health Insurance website, between 6 months and six years, a child has an average of 4 to 5 episodes of acute nasopharyngitis per year, especially in the fall and winter season. Indeed, during childhood, the immune defenses are gradually forged and the individual is still very vulnerable to infections.
Nasopharyngitis in babies is benign. Nevertheless, we must remain vigilant in infants under 3 months for which the risks of respiratory distress are increased. Sometimes hospital monitoring is necessary.
How does a baby get nasopharyngitis?
La rhinopharyngitis, ou acute rhinitis or the common cold, is contagious. It is transmitted by contact:
direct, from person to person, by saliva or by the mains ;indirect, by objects, contaminated tissues by viruses, etc.
THE rhinovirus are the infectious agents most frequently implicated in the development of nasopharyngitis (50% of cases). For their part, the coronavirus are involved in regarding 20% of cases.
When the infant is no longer protected by maternal antibodies of pregnancy or in breast milk, it must consolidate its immune system on its own. Most of the time, infants catch nasopharyngitis through contact with their family or other children in the nursery. Recurrence of nasopharyngitis is a common occurrence, even in healthy babies.
However, certain factors increase the risk of occurrence of nasopharyngitis in babies and children, such as:
passive smoking; allergic conditions; gastroesophageal reflux; iron deficiency; lack of breast milk; community life (crèche, nursery…) ; the existence of a chronic disease (diabetes, cystic fibrosis, etc.); an immune deficiency (HIV, taking immunomodulating drugs, undernutrition, etc.).
What are the symptoms of nasopharyngitis in babies?
After a incubation time of 1 to 7 daysthe baby may show some of the signs such as:
a moderate fever (below 39°C) which is of short duration (for 1 to 3 days); the stuffy nose and one runny nose which lasts less than 10 days; sore throat which is not always expressed by the newborn; a dry cough ;of the tears more frequent than usual.
How long does acute nasopharyngitis last in babies?
Nasopharyngitis in children can last from one to two weeks. If symptoms persist beyond or worsen, seek medical attention.
Rhino in baby: what are the complications of the disease?
In babies and children, nasopharyngitis can cause certain complications:
some viral diseases can worsen the clinical picture : bronchiolitis, bronchitis, laryngitis…a bacterial superinfection can cause: acute purulent otitis mediaa acute sinusitisa purulent conjunctivitis…
Treatment: how to treat nasopharyngitis in infants?
The treatment consists only of relieve symptoms of nasopharyngitis.
Overcome the common cold (runny nose)
You should not give medicine in order to relieve the common cold. THE nasal wash with saline solutionor sea water et regular blowing are sufficient. Vasoconstrictor drugs and inhalations to unclog the nose are contraindicated.
Relieve sore throat and cough in baby
When a baby has a sore throat, it is possible that he refuses to feed regularly. He may also drool more or have a hoarse voice. If he is breathing without difficulty, it is not worrying. It is possible to opt for an analgesic treatment such as paracetamol or in the event of a contraindication to the latter and if the child is over 3 months old, ibuprofen.
As for cough, it is a natural defense reflex of the body, which should be respected. Dry cough during nasopharyngitis does not require treatment. Antitussives, expectorants and thinners are contraindicated in children under 2 years of age.
Also, you should not give honey to a child under 1 year old. He might catch a serious illness: botulism (source 1).
Baby fever: Should it be reduced?
Fever is a necessary physiological phenomenon since the rise in body temperature makes it possible to neutralize infectious agents. Thus, in the case of baby nasopharyngitis, it is not necessary to try to reduce the fever with medication when it is below 39°C and if the baby seems to tolerate it.
Nevertheless, if the fever exceeds 39°C or if the baby does not seem to tolerate this rise in body temperature, a medical consultation is necessary. The taking of paracetamol (antipyretic) may then be necessary.
In children and in the absence of contraindications, the dosage of paracetamol is a maximum of 60 mg per kilogram per day, to be divided into four or six doses, i.e. approximately 15 mg/kg every six hours. or 10 mg/kg every four hours. Use the smallest effective dose for the shortest time possible.
If paracetamol is contraindicated in children over 3 monthsibuprofen can be given as a second intention. The dosage is a maximum of 20 to 30 mg per kilogram per day, to be divided into three or four doses, ie a maximum of 10 mg/kg every eight hours or 7.5 mg/kg every six hours. If the child is over 6 months old. From 6 months, it is possible to administer another NSAID: ketophene.
Aspirin should not be administered to children without medical advice, due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.
The right gestures in case of fever
If your child has a fever:
do not cover it too much; offer him a drink regularly; ventilate the room regularly; keep the room temperature around 19°C; cool baths are no longer recommended to bring down fever. This technique would rather tend to cause discomfort in the feverish person.
No antibiotics in case of nasopharyngitis
Antibiotics only treat bacterial infections. They are therefore not suitable for uncomplicated nasopharyngitis (of viral origin). The prescription of antibiotics therefore has no place in the management of nasopharyngitis in babies. In addition, the inappropriate consumption of these drugs might make the bacteria more resistant (antibiotic resistance).
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