Colds What is a cold?
A "cold" is the common name for a viral infection of
the upper respiratory tract including the ears, nose, sinuses,
throat, mouth, and upper airway. There are hundreds of different
viruses that can cause colds, and each can result in a different
set of symptoms.
What are the symptoms of a cold?
Cold symptoms by site:
Ears: fullness or pressure, popping, difficulty hearing, or pain
Nose and Sinuses: congestion, runny nose of any color, post-nasal drip, facial pressure or pain
Throat: soreness, hoarseness, a scratchy sensation
Mouth: bad breath, a coated tongue
Upper airway: cough, phlegm
Other symptoms can include fever, headache, eye discharge or mattering, nausea or vomiting.
How long will the cold last?
Cold symptoms typically last 10 to14 days before beginning to resolve. Fever as a part of a cold occurs within the first 5 days of symptoms and then disappears.
I think my child has a cold. What should I do?
There is no cure for the common cold. Treatment should be focused on reducing the specific symptoms your child is having.
All cough and cold medications contain some combination of the following four categories of medications:
Decongestants: (phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine) – help reduce nasal congestion and stuffy nose
Antihistamines: (chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine) – may reduce runny nose and post-nasal drip
Cough agents: (dextromethorphan, guaifenesin) – reduce cough or help clear phlegm
Fever reducers: (acetaminophen, ibuprofen) – reduce fever and relieve pain
Many studies have shown that cough and cold medications, whether over-the-counter or by prescription, have little or no effect on the overall course of a cold. However, when used very carefully to relieve specific symptoms, you may be able to make your child more comfortable while the illness runs it course. Try to pick a medication that treats only the symptoms your child is having. Giving medications with other components can increase unwanted side effects and may not help make your child any better. Follow the dosing instructions included with the medication carefully.
Other things you can do to help your child are to make sure your child is drinking plenty of fluids and eating as well as possible. Your child’s body is going to lose extra fluid because of all the drainage from the cold, and he will need extra energy to help his body fight off the cold while still being able to play and go to school. For infants and young children, use nasal saline spray or drops and suction the nose several times a day. Run a humidifier or vaporizer in your child’s bedroom as well.
Never give aspirin to children! This can result in Reye’s syndrome and lead to liver damage and possibly death.
Keep your child out of school or daycare until the fever resolves and wash hands frequently to prevent spreading the cold.
What other problems can occur as a result of a cold?
Most colds resolve without any further problems. However, some patients with
a cold will also develop a secondary bacterial infection of another area of the
body such as an ear infection, sinus infection, or pneumonia. These complications
are usually not serious, but do need to be seen by a doctor to be treated appropriately.
When should I take my child to the doctor?
You should take your child to see the doctor if any of the following occur:
Cold symptoms last longer than 14 days
Fever lasts longer than 5 days or starts more than 5 days after other symptoms
Ear pain, facial pain, or headache become severe
Your child is lethargic or difficult to arouse
Your child can not continue their usual daily activities because of the cold symptoms
Your child is having difficulty breathing or swallowing
Your child generally looks or acts very ill
Commonly held misconceptions about colds:
All of the following are commonly believed to be true about colds, but actually are complete fiction. See how many you have heard of!
Colds only last 3 to 4 days.
The weather causes colds.
Colds don’t cause fever.
Green nasal drainage indicates a bacterial infection.
Drinking milk makes congestion worse.
600 Beverly Hanks Center
Hendersonville, NC
(828) 693-3296
Medical Park Dr., Building 3
Brevard, NC
(828) 884-3440
