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The common cold is an upper respiratory infection caused by a virus. The germs usually attack the lining of the nose and throat and sometimes the lungs. There are over 100 different viruses that cause the common cold. Antibiotics are not effective for any of these viruses. Children normally have 6-8 colds per year. Cold are spread when an infected person coughs, breathes, or sneezes and then your child breathes this contaminated air. Cold symptoms include stuffy nose and cough for up to two weeks. Children often run low grade temperatures around 101 degrees for the first 24-48 hours of the illness. Treatment includes clearing the nose. Older children can frequently blow their nose to clear it. Infants and toddlers may require your help by using a bulb syringe and saline drops. Treatment should also include increased rest, increase clear fluid intake, cool mist humidifier use, and avoiding cigarette smoke. Treatment may also include over the counter medications for the symptoms, but none of these will cure the cold. The symptoms will continue for 7-10 days with or without any symptom treatment. We do not recommend combination products that include Tylenol and Motrin along with antihistamines, decongestants, or cough suppressants. Over the counter medication use should include a product specific to your child's symptom and not a multi-symptom product. Please talk to your pharmacist or call our office if you have questions. Call our office if: 1. Your child is less than 2 months old and develops a new cough. 2. Your child is less than 6 months old and irritable, feeding poorly, and acting sluggish. 3. Your child is less than 6 months old and develops a fever over 101 degrees. 4. Your child is complaining of ear pain or rubbing or pulling at their ears. 5. If your child is breathing fast and coughing up mucous. 6. If your child complains of head ache or neck pain and is vomiting along with a high fever. 7. If your child develops a skin rash. 8. If you are uncertain about how your child's symptoms or illness is progressing. 9. If your child's symptoms persist greater than 2 weeks. 10. If you child complains of sore throat for greater than 24 hours. |
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