Keeping track of the slightest change in temperature is tough. And getting your child to adjust to that is tougher. Complains Rita Banerjee, a housewife who lives at Behala in Calcutta, “It’s tough to get my son to wear even the lightest of warm clothes. He comes home sweating even in winter and then catches a cold.” But even the mild Calcutta winter can be threatening, especially to children suffering from malnutrition, allergies and heart diseases.

During the seasonal change between late autumn and early spring, children suffer from ailments ranging from minor coughs and colds to bronchitis, bronchial asthma and several skin diseases. “My daughter keeps me up most nights because her nose gets blocked,” complains lawyer Nakhat Khan. Dr Santanu Roy, a paediatrician, says preventive measures such as not allowing children to walk barefoot even at home, covering their heads with scarves and caps during outings and not laying them directly under a draught can work wonders.

“It is important to make these otherwise reluctant children drink lots of water. In the case of a blocked nose, put saline-water nasal drops or, if necessary, medicated nasal drops, as these not only pacify the child but also prevent coughs owing to post-nasal drip,” informs Dr Atul K. Gupta, a city paediatric associated with Calcutta’s Shishu Mangal hospital.

Breathing problems among children can often be fatal. As was the case with Amina’s seven-month-old daughter. Before she realised what had caused a sudden deterioration in her child’s condition, the baby was no more. Explains Dr Aparna Sarkar, “Bronchitis is a very serious and occasionally fatal ailment which affects children usually between six months and two years.” Respiratory distress, fever, inability to be breastfed and, at times, an audible wheeze are signs to watch out for. It is important to recognise these symptoms and seek medical opinion. Supportive treatment in hospitals and/or intravenous saline can easily cure this disease.

Moreover, it is important to remember that a simple common cold in an adult can play havoc even to the extent of endangering the baby’s life. “Ill-lit, damp and less ventilated rooms are breeding grounds for infectious organisms and perpetuate diseases,” stresses Dr Gupta.

For Reena Sharma, a Calcutta housewife, the problems of her asthmatic son worsen during winter. “That’s because he has more chances of getting an acute exacerbation of bronchial asthma owing to the increased incidence of allergic rhinitis and increased exposure to allergens such as dust and pollen,” says Dr Gupta.

Fog is another culprit. It is important for those who are on inhalers to start prophylactic therapy to keep the disease at bay.

Some parents dread bathing their children in winter. Rupa Dam, who works for an NGO, says, “In winter, my daughter catches a cold.” But preventing her from taking a bath, say doctors, is not a solution. “This is another reason for worry because then the child is prone to contagious parasitic skin diseases such as scabies and pediculosis and fungal infections. Allergic skin diseases also manifest themselves more during this season. Washing clothes, including woollens and bedclothes, is essential. Keeping the skin clean and moisturised and regular shampooing are important,” says Dr Sarkar.

Another common practice is to massage children with oil in sunlight during winter. While doing so, it is important to ensure that the baby is not exposed to cold winds or draught or that it is not allergic to any of the herbs that the oil may contain. Often children can be allergic to woollens, including quilts, as also to smoke. As Dr Gupta warns, “Either of the parents smoking can put the child at risk. So it is advisable to not smoke in the child’s presence.”

THINGS TO DO

Tips to keep your child fit as a fiddle:

• Breastfeeding increases immunity and helps fight infections. Allergic manifestations are minimum or at least deferred if the baby is “exclusively breastfed”

• Immunise your child against most infections that are prevalent in winter Hygiene is essential. The environment should be kept clean, free from dust, ventilated and warm

• A balanced diet is important. An increase in calories in the form of non-hydrogenated fats, oil and nuts can work wonders

• The child should be made to wear appropriate clothes in keeping with the weather.

Warmth is the key

• Avoid morning and evening strolls, since they expose the child to suspended particulate matters that cause allergy. Dust, particularly in outings at fairs and picnics, should be avoided.

• To keep the baby warm, it is safer to use electric heating sources. Don’t expose the child to cigarette smoke .

• While sunbathing the child, make sure there are no cold winds blowing. Also, the oil used for massaging must be free from allergens. Some other form of emollients may be used.

• Parents of a sick child should not send their wards to school as infections spread through contact.