The Common Cold is seen frequently in early childhood. During the first few years of life, a typical child will average approximately nine colds per year (and perhaps even more if they spend time in a regular day care setting). These infections are almost always caused by a virus. Unfortunately, there are literally thousands of different viruses that may give children a cold, and none of these can be treated with antibiotics because antibiotics only work against certain bacteria. Viral agents can be spread either by respiratory secretions which are coughed or sneezed into the air or, more commonly, by direct contact with nasal secretions, either in person or on common surfaces.
Symptoms of U.R.I. initially include throat irritation, sneezing, and nasal congestion, or stuffiness. Runny nose, watery eyes, hoarseness, and cough then predominate for the first week. Cough and nasal discharge often last for another week. Remember that cough, to some degree, is a beneficial reflex because it helps to expectorate drainage. Headaches, chills, and muscle aches with low grade fever, if they are present, generally only occur during the initial few days of colds.
Nasal secretions are initially thin and clear, but may become very thick, mucoid, and discolored for at least another week. Discoloration may be “milky” to yellow at times. A thick, yellow nasal drainage does not usually suggest a treatable bacterial secondary infection, but late in the cold a very persistent yellow-green drainage with increased cough should probably be checked in the office.
We cannot cure the Common Cold, so the goal of therapeutic treatment is always to minimize and manage the symptoms. Nasal secretions can be suctioned with a nose bulb, etc. Nasal saline preparations may thin the secretions for easier suctioning and can also help keep the nasal membranes moistened. Oral decongestants may be used to decrease excessive nasal secretions that are particularly bothersome to older infants and children. However, studies show that antihistamines and over-the-counter cough preparations do little to decrease symptoms, and all of these preparations may have unwanted side-effects such as crankiness, hyperactivity, or (particularly with antihistamines) sedation. We recommend using Vaseline or other ointments (Aquaphor) to moisturize skin around the nose and cheeks that may become chapped by nasal secretions, and that patients suffering from cold symptoms increase their fluid intake as much as possible.
It may also be possible to alleviate certain symptoms by making sure that your home heating and air conditioning systems have appropriate humidification. If not, cool mist humidifiers may help by providing extra humidification for irritated nasal mucosa, but remember that prolonged excessive humidification may also lead to an overgrowth of mold in the home.
Colds are an inconvenience, but rarely lead to more significant problems. Contact our office if your child develops persistent fever, marked irritability, respiratory distress (labored breathing) or lethargy. All infants and children will develop colds and they are essential in helping a child develop a normal healthy immune system.