COLDS AND COUGH
Colds are caused by many different kinds of viruses. Viruses are very tiny “bugs” that cause many different kinds of infections. Unlike infections caused by bacteria (like a strep infection of the throat,) viral infections cannot be treated with antibiotics. They go away on their own as a result of the body’s own defense systems fighting them off.
Colds usually last for a few days to a week. Children with colds often have a runny or stuffy nose, fever, cough, and tiredness. Although we cannot cure viral infections and colds, we can do a number of things to make children feel better while they have a cold.
- Encourage your child to drink plenty of liquids and get plenty of rest. Clear liquids are especially helpful in decreasing congestion. If your baby is still breast feeding or on formula, continue his or her regular feedings.
- Breathing cool moist air is very soothing and helps make breathing easier. Consider letting your child breathe in steam from the shower to help clear mucous from the throat and breathing passages. Try using a cool mist humidifier in your child’s bedroom.
- Use a bulb syringe and saline (salt water) nose drops only if your child is very uncomfortable. Saline drops can be purchased at the pharmacy. Never use other kinds of nose drops in young children.
- In general, studies have not shown over-the-counter cough and cold medicines to be very helpful for children.
- Coughing clears the lungs of mucous and infection. Using a cough suppressant is generally not helpful because the medicine prevents this natural clearing of the lungs.
Colds and coughs can occasionally become ear infections, sinus infections, or pneumonia. If your child has a persistent fever, a persistent cough, ear pain, or seems to be getting worse, please call our office.
Call Hour: 8:30 - 9:00
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