Runny nose and child rhinitis are always a big problem for many parents. Protargol - one of the means of modern medicine for the treatment of a cold in children. It is a silver-containing protein compound that has astringent, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects. The preparation protargol is issued for children in the form of an aqueous solution of brown color, does not have a smell and is slightly bitter in taste. Silver ions, which are part of the aqueous solution of protargol for children, depending on its concentration or inhibit the growth of bacteria, or completely destroy them. Also, in proportion to its concentration, the effectiveness of the drug increases, but it should be borne in mind that at the same time the likelihood of any side effects increases.
Protargol for children - indications for use
This drug is prescribed for children when:
- inflammation of the eye mucosa (conjunctivitis);
- pharyngitis;
- rhinitis (rhinitis);
- otitis;
- for the prevention of blepharitis in newborns;
- treatment of adenoids.
For children, in order to achieve the most effective treatment, it is necessary to choose the right concentration of protargol and it is very important to make sure that the solution is always fresh - do not forget the date of manufacture on the package. The shelf life of protargol is small - only 30 days.
How to drip protargol child?
As a rule, one-percent protargol solution is prescribed for treatment of children up to one year old. Some pediatricians recommend not to instill drops in the nose to the baby, but only to lubricate the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract. This use of the drug is no less effective, but more safe and significantly reduces the risk of side effects. Also, when using the drug, one should take into account the fact that it is intended for treatment only as part of complex therapy.
Before you start treatment, you must first cleanse the nose to the child. After washing, the baby is put on his back and the medicine is dripped 2-3 drops into each nostril. The procedure should be repeated in the morning and in the evening. The course of treatment is determined by a doctor and can last about two weeks, but many pediatricians do not recommend the use of protargol droplets for children more than five days.
Protargol for children - contraindications and side effects
Direct contraindications from the use of this medication for children have not been revealed, but nevertheless, WHO argues that children under the age of five years should not use silver medications.
Protargol, like any other medicine, can cause a number of adverse reactions:
- itching;
- irritation of the mucosa;
- redness of the eyes;
- dry mouth;
- headache;
- a feeling of numbness;
- drowsiness;
- dizziness;
- anaphylactic shock;
- hives;
- angioedema.
Parents should remember that the silver that is part of this medication is heavy metal. When entering the body of metal for a very long time remains in it and if it is periodically introduced, the silver begins
Another important detail is that the use of protargol is effective only with microbial infection and is absolutely useless in viral. Based on this fact, this drug should not be used for self-treatment, because it is the viruses in most cases that cause respiratory infections in children.