Introduction
Colds start with feeling unwell, sniffing, runny and/or blocked nose. After 1 to 2 days the nose starts to run with a watery, clear fluid, which then becomes thick and green. A high temperature does not occur with a normal cold but it can in small children. The nose is linked to the ears, sinuses and throat, which means the cold can also spread there. This can result in middle ear infection or sinusitis, often with a fever. There are more than 1,000 types of cold virus, so immunisation is not possible. There are no medicines against these viruses and antibiotics do not help either. You can only treat cold symptoms. A cold usually gets better after 5 to 10 days. If there is no fever, a child with a cold may go out of doors as normal. Do not be afraid that they will catch another cold on top.
Symptoms
A frequent and annoying cough may start because the mucus runs down the back of the throat and tickles the airways. Other symptoms linked with a cold are:
Sneezing
Hoarseness
Sore throat
Slightly raised body temperature
Treatment: What you can do for yourself
Children over 1 year:
Give enough to drink. Hot drinks can have a soothing effect
The child may go outdoors
Babies
It is difficult for a baby with a blocked nose to drink from the breast or bottle. The baby will decide not to drink rather than to choke. The baby then becomes hungry and will cry more. The baby can only drink again once the nose is clear.
Meanwhile, you can feed the baby from a cup, with a sterilised spoon. A steamy atmosphere e.g. bathroom or kitchen will help to relieve congestion.
Contact your doctor if:
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As well as the cold there is a high temperature/fever which lasts more than 3 days.
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Try to bring the temperature down with tepid sponging Offer sugar free paediatric Paracetamol. If you are still concerned contact your health visitor or Doctor
Contact your doctor immediately if:
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Despite the above treatment babies still cannot or will not take feeds on 2 consecutive occasions.
************ DO NOT GIVE CHILDREN UNDER 16 ASPIRIN ************
http://patient.info/health/coughs-and-colds-in-children
