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.

Category: Common Illnesses