Common Cold or Upper Respiratory Infections
The Common Cold or Upper Respiratory Infection (URI) is caused by a virus. It is easily spread from person to person by mouth, hands, coughing or sneezing. Cold weather, cold winds, drafts, air conditioners and wet feet do not increase the chance of coming down with a cold.
Most healthy children will get 6 colds a year. Symptoms range from having a runny nose, to congestion and a cough. Sometimes fever and sore throat may accompany it. A cold should run its course within 4-10 days. The main things to watch for are secondary infections such as ear infections, yellow drainage from eyes, sinus pressure or pain, or difficulty breathing.
There is no cure for the common cold. Antibiotics have no effect on viruses. So the best you can do is make your child comfortable.
A runny nose usually clears up in a few days without any need for medication. For younger babies, use a rubber suction bulb, up to 4 times a day, to gently remove any secretions.
Most stuffy noses are blocked by dry mucus. If your infant is having trouble nursing because of nasal congestions, place 2 drops of saline nose drops into each nostril. After one minute gently suction out the loosened mucus. This can be done 3-4 times a day. Avoid doing this too often as it can further aggravate the symptoms.
Most coughs are due to a viral infection of the trachea (windpipe) and bronchi (larger air passages). Most children get this infection a couple of times a year as part of a cold. Remember coughing clears the lungs and protects them from pneumonia. Sometimes it becomes loose (wet sounding) for a few days. This is usually a sign that the end of the illness is near.
Use a cool mist humidifier (vaporizer) in their rooms to help keep nasal secretions moist and to keep coughs down. Don't add medication to the water in the humidifier, because it can irritate the cough in some children. Be sure to clean and dry the humidifier thoroughly each day to prevent bacteria or mold growth. Hot water vaporizers are not recommended because they can cause scalds or burns. Encourage fluids frequently to keep them well hydrated. You can also raise the head of the bed, or prop older children up on pillows to help with nasal drainage.
Call our office if any of the following occur: persistent cough, loss of appetite, fever, excessive irritability, nasal discharge lasting more than 10 days, if their eyes develop yellow discharge, or ear or sinus pain.
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