Health Myths Moms Should Know About

Moms want their children to be healthy. There are also several myths floating around that moms believe about their children's health. The following list should help moms be aware of what to look for, and what may not be so important.

One old wives tale is that when children have a fever, it is okay for them not to eat. They may be vomiting and many parents think its best to let the child's illness pass on its own. While this may be an okay solution, it is important for the baby and/or child to eat so that their body is properly nourished and able to fight off the infection.

Some of the foods the baby could eat are chicken noodle soup, juice and even ice cream. Each of these non solid foods will help your little one fight off their fever and illness more quickly.

Another myth is that green mucus means your child has something worse than the common cold.

While this may have a little truth to it, green mucus is often not a big deal. Yellow, green and white mucus are typically symptoms of a common cold.

If the mucus is green or yellow and it is combined with symptoms such as a high fever and decrease in appetite, it may be linked to a bacterial infection. This may require antibiotics as well.

Also, if the green or yellow mucus is persistent and common, the child may have enlarged adenoids or some other problem associated with their nasal cavity. This is a situation in which a doctor or pediatrician should make the diagnosis.

Another health myth concerning children is that cold and flu viruses spread the most rapidly when symptoms have not yet appeared. The truth is that these germs typically spread when they are at their worst.

The germs are typically contained in cough or sneeze droplets and are commonly contracted hand to hand. The symptoms and likelihood of the illness being contracted will both remain intact until the illness ends.

Also, depending on the sound of the cough, the child could have a different illness altogether. For example, when a cough sounds like a barking dog and is accompanied by difficult breathing and a low-grade fever, your child may have croup, which is a common infection that disturbs the upper part of the trachea. In order to deal with this, a humidifier or steamer can relieve the airway, as can cool night air.

If the cough is accompanied by a high fever, it is most likely the flu. If the cough is persistent and occurs with flu like symptoms and rapid breathing, the cough could be a symptom of pneumonia.

Pneumonia needs to be treated under medical supervision with the advice and council of the pediatrician.

A cough may also be linked to Sinusitis, an inflammation and infection of the mucous membrane that lines the sinuses.

This is a disease that must be handled via a doctor. The cough will also be persistent and last more than ten days. If the cough sounds wet and coincides with thick green or yellow nasal mucus it is most likely sinusitis.

If a cough is hard and persistent and follows a cold, it may be a symptom of Bronchitis. Coughs can also be a symptom of Asthma when it is persistent and worse at night or in cold weather.

A cough which is spasmodic and sounds sharp and high-pitched, it is a symptom of whooping-cough. Whooping cough is also a serious bacterial infection that needs to be treated with medication.

It is also important for parents to be aware that treating mild fevers is necessary. Most parents are under the impression that mild fevers may be left alone; however, keeping the child comfortable is important.

Also, any fever in an infant under 6 months requires a call to the doctor.

It is also okay for parents to kiss their babies when the parent has a cold. They may think that the germs would easily be transmitted to their baby; however, it is unlikely that a peck could contain viral fluids from the airways. The saliva in your mouth has very little chances of infecting.

One last myth is that ear infections are caused by cold air. Ear infections are caused by bacteria that grows on mucus and fluid build up in the ear tubes. Many parents also think ear infections are caused by the common cold; however, it is because the cold may push ear wax up into the ear tubes making it easier for bacteria to grow.