Treating The Common Cold
Tis the season for cough and colds! Young children oftentimes will get several respiratory illnesses during the course of a winter season, and those coughs and runny/stuffy noses can be quite annoying! While the common cold is caused by viruses, and otherwise healthy children typically will overcome the illness with a little bit of time, there are some things that you, as parents, can do to help alleviate some of the discomfort.
Cough
The cough that accompanies the common cold can be frustrating for the child and the parent, as sometimes it is seen as a disruption in the classroom or disturb the child’s sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages the use of cough and cold medications under the age of 6 years old, as there is insufficient data to prove their safety and efficacy in this age group. DO NOT give a smaller dose of an adult medication to a child, as this can potentially result in harmful effects on the child. Honey may be used for children older than a year of age (babies should never be given honey due to the risk of botulism); studies have shown honey to be an effective natural cough suppressant. Sometimes the cough is worse at nighttime due to postnasal drip; elevating the head when sleeping may improve the cough. Avoid secondhand smoke exposure, as it can cause further irritation to the airways, thereby worsening cough.
Children with a predisposition to wheezing or a history of asthma should be monitored for worsening cough, wheezing, or shortness of breath, and be evaluated by their pediatrician when appropriate.
Runny & stuffy nose
Nasal drainage and congestion are both common manifestations of the common cold. Mucous may be clear, yellow or green, depending on the stage of illness the body is going through. A few days of yellow or green nasal discharge is completely normal with a viral infection, and not necessarily indicative of a sinus infection.
Use of a humidifier in the child’s bedroom is helpful, because breathing in moisturized air helps to soothe the nasal passages and lessen irritation. Nasal saline sprays or rinses can help loosen mucous and soothe the nasal tissue. Suctioning of the mucus will help your young child remove the mucous blocking the nose; older children can blow their nose. Vicks vapor rub can be used for congestion – apply to the bottoms of the feet in babies and toddlers, chest and back on older children.
Sore throat
Some children may experience a sore throat along with their cold symptoms. They may not eat as much as a result of this. Ensure your child stays well-hydrated despite the pain. Some children prefer cold fluids or popsicles to ease the pain, others prefer hot fluids, like tea or soup. Honey and lemon water/tea can help soothe a sore throat. Occasionally, the child may have a concurrent throat infection – if you see pus on the tonsils, it is best to have your child checked by the pediatrician for strep infection.
Fever
Fever is often seen by parents as a scary or concerning symptom when a child is ill, but keep in mind that it is one of the methods the body utilizes to fight infection. However, high fever can make a child uncomfortable and increase risk of dehydration, so use of a fever reducer is warranted in these scenarios. Low-grade fevers may be monitored if the child is comfortable and hydrating well. Other ways of bringing down a fever may include cool towels to the forehead and warm baths (never bathe a febrile child in cold water).
Viral respiratory illnesses typically are worse during the initial 4-5 days, then gradually improve, usually resolving completely in two weeks, on average. Make sure your child gets enough fluids and rest in order to allow the body’s immune system to be fully equipped to fight the illness. If your child exhibits any concerning symptoms (i.e. worsening cough, wheezing, ear pain, etc), be sure to have him/her checked out by the pediatrician!
Entirely Kids Pediatrics offers comprehensive care for common childhood illnesses, ensuring your child receives the best treatment possible.