COUGH, COLD AND RUNNY NOSE IN CHILDREN

What causes cough, runny nose, and other symptoms of the common cold? — These symptoms are usually caused by a viral infection. Lots of viruses can take hold inside your nose, mouth, throat, or lungs, and cause cold symptoms. Most adults get over a cold without lasting problems but having a cold can be uncomfortable especially for kids.

What are the symptoms of the common cold? — The symptoms include:

●Sneezing

●Coughing

●Sniffling and runny nose

●Sore throat

●Chest congestion

In children, the common cold can also cause a fever.

How can I tell if my child has a cold or the flu? — The common cold and the flu both cause many of the same symptoms. But they also have some important differences. This table can help you tell the difference between a cold and the flu (table below).

SYMPTOMS	COLD	FEVER
Fever	Rare	Usual;high (100-102 deg F), lasts 3-4 days
Headache	Rare	Common
General aches and pains	Slight	Usual, often severe
Fatigue, weakness	Sometimes	Usual, can last upto 2-3 weeks
Extreme exhaustion	Never	Usual, at the beginning of illness
Stuffy nose	Common	Sometimes
Sneezing	Usual	Sometimes
Sore throat	Common	Sometimes
Chest discomfort, cough	Mild to moderate, Hacking cough	Common; can become severe

 

When should I call the doctor? — Most people who have a cold do not need to see the doctor

Call your child's doctor if he or she:

● A fever of more than 100.4º F (38º C) that comes with shaking chills, loss of appetite, or trouble breathing.

     ● Refuses to drink anything for a long time

●Is younger than 4 months

●Has a fever and is not acting like him- or herself

●Has a cough that lasts for more than 2 weeks and is not getting any better

●Has a stuffed or runny nose that gets worse or does not get better after 2 weeks

●Has red eyes or yellow goop coming out of his or her eyes

●Has ear pain, pulls at his or her ears, or shows other signs of having an ear infection

Take your child to the emergency room if he or she:

●Becomes confused or stops responding to you

●Has trouble breathing or has to work hard to breathe

 

What should I know if my child has a cold? — In children, the common cold is often more severe than it is in adults and also lasts longer. Usually it lasts 3 to 7 days, but some children may have symptoms for up to 10 days. In addition, children often get a fever during the first 3 days of a cold.

Are cough and cold medicines safe for children? — If your child is younger than 6, you should not give him or her any cold medicines. These medicines are not safe for young children. Never give aspirin to any child younger than 18 years old. In children, aspirin can cause a life-threatening condition called Reye syndrome. When giving your child acetaminophen or other nonprescription medicines, never give more than the recommended dose. However you may try some home remedies like honey admixed with ginger and older children may beneffit from steam inhaltion and warm saline gargles

Can the common cold lead to more serious problems? — In some cases, yes. In some people having a cold can lead to:

●Pneumonia or bronchitis (infections of the lungs)

●Ear infections

●Worsening of asthma symptoms

●Sinus infections

How can I keep from getting another cold? —The most important thing you can do is to wash your hands often with soap and water. Alcohol hand rubs work well, too. The germs that cause the common cold can live on tables, door handles, and other surfaces for at least 2 hours. You never know when you might be touching germs. That's why it's so important to clean your hands often. You may also take steps towards improving your child's immunity like giving him a wholesome and nutritious diet comprising of all vegetables and fruits. Encourage physical activity/ exercise in your child. You may also provide him/her protection from seasonal flu by enruring regular vaccination for the same.