CHAPTER XXIX
RESPIRATORY DISEASES
Next to digestive disturbances, babies suffer more frequently from respiratory disorders—colds, bronchitis, and pneumonia. In fact, during very early infancy, pneumonia heads the list of infant deaths, only to be displaced a few months later by that most dreaded summer disease—diarrhea.
Little tiny babies are so helpless—they are so dependent upon their seniors for life itself—that our responsibility is indeed great. We should put forth our best endeavor to avoid and prevent common colds. Among all the common maladies that afflict the human race "colds" probably head the list; and, in the case of babies and the younger children, the common colds often go on into coughs, croup, bronchitis, and even pneumonia.
WHY BABIES CATCH COLD
- Someone has brought the infection to him.
- Somebody coughed in his face.
- Germ-laden hands have handled the baby.
- He has drunk from an "infected" glass.
- There was not enough moisture in the air.
- Somebody wiped his face with an infected towel.
- Baby was allowed to play on the cold floor.
- Baby's lowered vitality could not stand the combined strain of overeating and clogged up bowels.
- Baby was kissed in the mouth by a "cold-germ" carrier.
- Baby was dressed too warmly—and then taken out.
- Somebody carelessly breathed in baby's face.
- He slept in a stuffy room.
- His extremities got chilled.
- Baby has adenoids or diseased tonsils.
Babies should not be allowed to sit or play on cold, drafty floors. They may play on mother's bed whose open side is protected with high-back chairs, or they may play in their own bed whose raised sides are sheltered by blankets.
It is possible for a mother so to disinfect her hands, and so garb herself with clean, washable garments, that, although she may be suffering from an acute cold, she may continue to care for her baby and the baby need not contract the cold.