Your Guide to Understanding, Preventing and Treating Colds
Barton D. Schmitt, MD, answers your questions about the common cold.
Q. Why does my child catch so many colds?
Dr. Schmitt: Also called an upper respiratory infection (URI), a cold is a viral infection of the nose and throat. Cold viruses can live on toys, phones, doorknobs, toilet handles, tables and other objects for up to three hours. The virus is then transmitted to the nose or eyes by normal facetouching habits.
With up to 200 different varieties of cold viruses, it's no surprise that most healthy children experience at least six colds a year. Fortunately, colds are not serious. Usually the fever (if any) lasts less than three days, and all nose and throat symptoms are gone within one to two weeks. A cough may last up to three weeks.
Q. My child's symptoms seem to be worsening. When should I call his pediatrician?
Dr. Schmitt: Call your child's physician immediately if…
+ Your child acts or looks very sick
+ Breathing is difficult and no better after you clear the nose
Call within 24 hours if…
+ Ear pain occurs
+ Sinus pain occurs
+ The skin under the openings of the nose is raw or scabbed over
+ The eyes have a yellow discharge (not just watery)
+ The throat is sore for more than five days (ask your doctor for a throat culture)
+ A fever has been present for more than three days
+ You think your child needs to be seen by a doctor
Q. How should I treat my child's cold?
Dr. Schmitt: Many cold symptoms can be relieved at home. For babies younger than 1 year old, ask your child's physician what he or she recommends.
Fever - Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen for muscle aches, headaches or moderate fever (over 102 degrees). Avoid aspirin.
Sore Throat - Use hard candies and saltwater gargles for children over 6 years old, and warm chicken broth for children over 1 year old.
Cough - Use cough drops for children over 6 years old, and cough syrup for younger children over 1
year old. Run a humidifier.
Red Eyes - Rinse frequently with wet cotton balls.
Poor Appetite - Encourage fluids of the child's choice. It's important that your child eats when hungry and drinks plenty of fluids like water or juice to replenish lost fluids. Avoid giving your child caffeinated beverages.
Q. Is there anything I can do to cut down on the number of colds my child gets?
Dr. Schmitt: Complications caused by colds are more common in babies and infants, so try to avoid undue exposure to other children and adults with colds, daycare nurseries, church nurseries and crowded shopping centers.
+ Wash hands frequently and keep hands away from the nose and mouth.
+ Teach your child to cover her nose during sneezing and her mouth when coughing.
+ Use a humidifier to prevent dry mucous membranes, which may be more susceptible to infections.
Copyright 1986-2006. Barton D. Schmitt, MD. Revised 8-14-2006
Barton Schmitt, MD, FAAP, is a board-certified pediatrician at The Children's Hospital. He has been practicing medicine for 40 years and has received two distinguished awards from the American Academy of Pediatrics, including the Child Development Award in 1994, followed by the Education Award in 2004. A father of four and grandfather of eight, he most recently completed the 3rd edition of Your Child's Health, now available in bookstores.
