Pathway Pediatrics

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 people get over a cold without lasting problems. Even so, having a cold can be uncomfortable. And if your child has a cold, it can be hard to know when the symptoms call for a trip to the doctor.

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. But adults do not usually get a fever when they have a cold.

When should I call the doctor or nurse? — Most people who have a cold do not need to see the doctor or nurse. But you should call your doctor or nurse if you have:

• A fever of more than 100.4º F that comes with shaking chills, loss of appetite, or trouble breathing
• A fever and also have lung disease, such as asthma
• A cough that lasts longer than 10 days
• Chest pain when you cough, trouble breathing, or coughing up blood

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

Call your child’s doctor or nurse if he or she:

• Refuses to drink anything for a long time
• Is younger than 3 months
• Has a fever and is not acting like him- or herself
• 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

What should I know if my child has a cold? — In children, the common cold is often more severe than it is in adults. It also lasts longer. Plus, 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 without talking to your healthcare provider. These medicines could be dangerous for young children. Even if your child is older than 6, cough and cold medicines are unlikely to help.

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.

How long will I be sick? — Colds usually last 3 to 7 days in adults and 10 days in children, but some people have symptoms for up to 2 weeks.

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

• Pneumonia or bronchitis (infections of the lungs)
• Ear infections (in children)
• Other 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.