One day, your child is full of energy, and the next, they’re sniffling, sneezing, and feeling miserable. Colds are very common in children, especially during the winter months. Parents often worry about how to spot and treat these symptoms effectively.
In this blog, we guide you through recognizing common cold symptoms in children and the most effective treatments.
A Brief Introduction to the Common Cold
The common cold is a viral infection that primarily impacts the upper respiratory tract. According to Nemours Children’s Health, colds are the most common infectious illness in the United States. They are also the leading cause for pediatric doctor visits and school absences. While most adults experience a cold occasionally, children may contract it up to eight times or more a year.
Highly contagious, colds can spread rapidly, especially during the first 2 to 4 days after symptoms appear. They may continue to be transmitted for up to two weeks after a person starts feeling unwell.
How Colds Spread
Colds spread easily among children, especially in places like schools or playgrounds. The virus spreads through direct person-to-person contact or by breathing in virus particles. These particles can travel up to 12 feet through the air when someone with a cold coughs or sneezes. Additionally, touching the mouth or nose after coming into contact with contaminated surfaces can also lead to the spread of the cold virus.
Understanding Cold Symptoms in Children
The first symptoms of a cold are often a tickle in the throat, sneezing, and a stuffy nose. Although children’s cold symptoms can vary, they often include:
- A mild fever.
- A runny nose and mucus; in some cases, mucus may become thick and yellow or green.
- Frequent sneezing and a persistent cough.
- A sore throat and headache.
Kids with colds may also feel more tired than usual and have muscle aches.
Typically, symptoms show up 2 or 3 days after getting in contact with the virus responsible for colds. You can usually expect your child to be sick for 7 to 10 days with a cold.
Child vs. Adult Symptoms
Child cold symptoms can look a bit different than that of adults. For example, kids might have slightly higher fevers and more pronounced runny noses. They might also be fussier and have less appetite than usual.
Prevention Tips
It is not always possible to stop your child from getting sick, but there are steps you can take to help prevent the spread of illnesses, such as the common cold.
Here’s how to lower the risk of your child catching a cold:
- Hand Washing: Encourage frequent, thorough hand washing with soap.
- Avoiding Sick Contacts: Keep your child away from others who are sick.
- Healthy Habits: Ensure your child eats well and gets enough sleep.
- Practice Good Hygiene: Encourage your child to sneeze or cough into a tissue or their elbow, not into their hands.
- Avoid Sharing Objects: Do not share drinking glasses, eating utensils, or towels with someone who has a cold.
By taking these steps, you can help protect your child from catching a cold and prevent the spread of illnesses to others.
Effective Home Treatments for Colds
It is understandable that you may not want to run to a pediatrician’s office for your child’s common cold. Here are tips to help you treat your child’s cold at home.
Rest and Hydration
One of the best ways to help your child recover from a cold is by ensuring they get plenty of rest. Sleep helps their body fight off the virus. Additionally, keeping them hydrated with water, juice, or warm soups can help replace the fluids lost during a fever or from mucus production. Taking on extra fluids can also help soothe a sore throat and reduce congestion.
Humidifiers and Saline Drops
Using a humidifier in your child’s room can keep the air moist, easing congestion and coughing. Saline nose drops can also help clear a stuffy nose, making breathing easier.
Over-the-Counter Remedies
While medication cannot cure a cold, over-the-counter medicines, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help alleviate symptoms such as fever, headaches, and muscle aches. It is best to consult with a pediatrician before giving your child any medication.
Knowing When to Seek Professional Help
Do not hesitate to call your healthcare provider if you are concerned or think your child might have more than a cold.
Warning Signs
While most colds can be managed at home, certain symptoms call for medical attention:
- If your child has a fever over 102°F
- Persistent symptoms that worsen or do not improve after a week
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain
- Unusually tired
- Unable to keep food or liquids down or trouble drinking or swallowing
- Swollen glands (lymph nodes) in the neck
- A headache, facial pain, or throat pain that gets worse
- Stomach pain
- Earache
- Coughing up a lot of mucus
Professional Care at Westchester Park Pediatrics
At Westchester Park Pediatrics, located in Purchase, New York, we specialize in treating childhood illnesses, including common colds. Our dedicated team of board-certified pediatricians offers personalized care and expert advice to ensure your child gets the best treatment possible.
From diagnosing symptoms to developing personalized treatment plans, we do it all with the utmost attention to our patients’ needs. We offer a range of services, including sick visits, routine wellness checks, immunizations, and much more to help your child stay healthy. We ensure your child will receive the best care.
Understanding and managing your child’s cold symptoms can be challenging, but it’s crucial for their health and comfort. By recognizing the symptoms, taking preventive measures, and knowing when to seek professional help, you can ensure your child recovers quickly and safely.
Common Cold Treatment for Children in Purchase, NY
At Westchester Park Pediatrics in Purchase, New York, we pride ourselves on offering accessible, comprehensive pediatric care. Our private, state-of-the-art facility is designed to meet all your child’s healthcare needs, ensuring comfort and safety.
If your child is showing symptoms of a cold or any other illness, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced team. We’re available 24/7 to provide the care your child needs. You can call our office at (914) 761-1717 or use our convenient online scheduling form to book an appointment today. Together, we can make sure your child stays healthy and happy.
