Temperatures drop, germs take hold, children catch colds. Fortunately, in most cases, these are just viruses that do not require the administration of antibiotics.
Nasopharyngitis: no antibiotics
Nasopharyngitis is a viral infection that can cause a low fever. Rhinitis, an inflammation of the lining of the nose that feels like a stuffy or runny nose, is often associated with pharyngitis.
Children have a red throat and cough frequently. This cough, dry or oily, allows the little ones to prevent their secretions from going down to the lungs. “A nasopharyngitis lasts 7 days on average”, specifies the pediatrician Mathilde Letouzey. “The cough can last up to fifteen days.”
And to explain the action to be followed: “In the context of nasopharyngitis, it is above all necessary to treat the fever with paracetamol. It is also necessary to wash the child’s nose very regularly using physiological serum or d seawater. Do not hesitate to split meals either, because the child may be embarrassed when swallowing. “
The doctor specifies that antibiotics are not needed in the treatment of nasopharyngitis. “It will just be necessary in the event of secondary bacterial infection, such as pneumonia. But it is very rare.”
Otitis: congestive or purulent?
Nasopharyngitis is frequently associated to an ear infection. “There is a small duct between the throat and the ear: the Eustachian tube. This duct helps eliminate normal mucous secretions inside the ear. It can sometimes become blocked due to the inflammation associated with nasopharyngitis, and secretions accumulate “says Dr. Letouzey.” When examining the ear, we can then observe an accumulation of clear fluid on the other side of the eardrum. in this case of acute congestive otitis media. Again, antibiotics are not recommended because the origin is viral.
Another type of ear infection is acute purulent otitis media, which can be viral or bacterial in origin.
“If the child is over two years old and not in great pain, there is a good chance that it is linked to a virus. In this case, we do not prescribe antibiotics but we see him again. 48 hours later to see the evolution “, specifies the doctor. But if the child is less than two years old or if it is in great pain, it is the probable sign of a bacterial infection, which one treats with antibiotics. “
In any case, patience remains essential: “” There are many different nasopharyngitis viruses. Your child may catch several in the fall and winter. “
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