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An Upper Respiratory Infection, or cold,
is the most common infection in children, adolescents, and adults. A
common cold can cause a runny or stuffy nose, fever, sore throat, cough,
a hoarse voice, red eyes, and swollen glands. The fever from a cold can
typically last three to four days. The stuffy nose, sore throat and
cough may continue for up to 2 weeks. Children with colds are usually
not severely ill.
Colds are caused by hundreds of
different viruses, so one cold may quickly follow the one before. During
the winter months, children may catch a cold once every other week;
averaging 10-12 colds a year. The number of colds will increase
if your child attends day care or nursery school, if there are school
aged children in your home, or if anyone smokes cigarettes in the
house.
MYTHS
One commonly hears that colds can be
caused by "poor immunity", lack of vitamins,
"drafts", not wearing hats, wet feet, or cold weather. NONE of
these are true. Colds are caused by viruses.
Colds cannot be cured by
antibiotics.
Over the counter cold medicines will not
cure or shorten the duration of a cold. They are generally not
recommended for infants, although they may make an older child feel
better.
TREATMENT
Runny nose with discharge occurs because
nasal mucus is washing viruses and bacteria out of the nose and sinuses.
- You may have your child blow his nose
or suction the nose with a soft rubber suction bulb. It is important
to note, that an infant cannot nurse or drink from a bottle unless
the nostrils are open.
- You may apply petroleum jelly to the
nasal openings to protect them from irritation.
- Antihistamines are not helpful unless
the child has nasal allergies. Drying up the nose may be harmful,
since the discharge is the nose's way of ridding itself of the
virus.
Dry or stuffy nose with little discharge
- Use warm water or saline nose drops.
These may be followed by blowing or suctioning. Most stuffy noses
are blocked by dry mucus. To make the saline, mix ¼ teaspoon of
table salt with 1 cup of water.
- A humidifier may be of benefit. Moist
air keeps the nasal mucus from drying up.
ASSOCIATED SYMPTOMS
| Fever |
Use Acetaminophen
(Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Motrin) for muscle aches, headaches, or
fever. |
| Sore Throat |
May use throat
sprays, or warm fluids. |
| Cough |
May use cough drops
for children over 4 years of age.
Prop up the head of a sleeping child. Keep in mind that the cough may be worse at night
or when lying down. Any rattling or vibrations you feel are from the nose and throat, and not from the chest. |
| Red Eyes |
Moisten frequently
with warm wash cloth or cotton balls. |
| Appetite |
Appetite will often
be decreased during a cold. Offer fluids and small amounts of
food. |
REMEMBER - Do not smoke in
the house or in the car!
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