The Common Cold
What is a cold?
A cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract (nose, sinuses, throat
and upper airways). Because they are contagious, it is common for a child to have
as many as six or more colds a year. Colds are generally passed on through hand
contact.
What are the possible symptoms?
Most children with colds will have:
- Runny or stuffy nose and sneezing
- Fever
- Decreased appetite and activity
- Occasional coughing
Some children will also have rashes (like red heat bumps), sore throats and red,
watery eyes. Occasionally, a child will develop an ear infection a day or two
after a cold starts.
How long does it last?
A cold can last anywhere from a few days to two weeks, but the worst days will
be the first three to four.
How do I treat my child's cold?
Because colds are caused by viruses, there is no medicine that can “cure” your
child's cold. In particular, penicillin will not help and could do harm. The cold
will go away on its own. It may take as long as 5-7 days.
We recommend the following that may help your child to feel better until the
cold is gone:
- Give her lots of cool clear liquids so that she does not get dehydrated (dried
out).
- Give her Tylenol®/Tempra®/Panadol® liquid as directed for fever and body aches.
- Keep her at home until the fever is gone.
- Treat your infant's stuffy nose with salt water drops and bulb syringe.
- Avoid strenuous activity.
- Over-the-counter oral medications (decongestants, expectorants and antihistamines)
may help. If you find that these medicines do not clearly help your child, then
discontinue using them.
- Rest is helpful, but it is fine for your child to play if she feels well enough.
Coughing clears your child's chest and helps prevent pneumonia. Therefore, cough
medicine should only be used if recommended by your doctor.
Follow the directions for your child's age and weight. If she is less than 6
years of age, you may need to contact your doctor or pharmacist for dosage information.
Do not use medications for infants less than 6 months old unless your doctor recommends
them. Use cough suppressants only if the cough is dry and interfering with your
child's sleep. Make sure that you know and understand all side effects associated
with over-the-counter medications.
When should I call the doctor?
For any respiratory difficulty:
- Fast, shallow breathing
- Heavy breathing or very frequent cough (every few minutes)
- Chest retractions (pulling in of the skin around the ribs and chest when breathing)
- Tightness in the chest
- A bluish color to the lips and skin
- Wheezing
Fever: call immediately for any child under 3 months of age with a temperature
of 100.5o F (38o C) or higher
Fever: for any child older than 3 months of age with a temperature over 102oF (38.9oC) rectally, or with a fever that lasts longer than two days
If your child refuses to play, even for short periods of time.
If your child seems to be getting dried out:
- No tears with crying
- No urine for 6 hours or more
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta provides information on colds as a guideline. It is not intended to replace
consultation with your physician. Always consult your child's doctor or other
health care provider whenever your child may require diagnosis or treatment.
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