Symptoms:
- Runny or stuffy nose (drainage may be clear, cloudy, yellow or green).
- Associated symptoms: fever, sore throat, cough, red eyes.
- The average child will have as many as 8 colds per year. Children in day care setting may get a cold every 2-3 weeks during the winter season.
- Antibiotics and cold medication will not cure a cold.
Treatment:
There is no cure for a cold but offer comfort support including:
- Give acetaminophen for fever or discomfort.
- Increase daily fluid intake.
- Use a cool mist humidifier to moisturize secretions (remember to change water daily).
- Raise the head of the bed 30- 45 (Infant may sleep in car seat).
- Nasal saline drops or spray and nasal suctioning as needed.
- Children over 1 year of age may use oral decongestants (pseudoephedrine) as needed to decrease congestion for a few hours.
Cough is one of the body’s own way of getting rid of mucus, so unless it is painful or keeping the child awake, do not give cough suppressants.
← Congestion, Cough