Don’t Overlook These 4 Common Children Cold Symptoms
You want to do everything you can to protect your child and keep them healthy, but this can be challenging during this time of year when it seems there are so many colds and viruses going around. In fact, is it bad if your child gets a cold? The answer depends upon different factors. We’ll explore these and provide important information about cold symptoms and when to contact your pediatrician.
How Will I Know If My Child Has a Cold? 4 Important Cold Symptoms
1. Sneezing / Runny Nose
This is one of the classic cold symptoms in adults as well. If your child has a runny nose or sneezing, be sure to keep them comfortable and make sure they are getting plenty of fluids.
2. Loss of Appetite
Your child needs a healthy diet in order for them to get enough nutrition to grow and thrive. If your child shows no interest in food despite your best efforts, be on the lookout for other symptoms that may indicate cold symptoms.
3. Irritability
If your child continues to be irritable, and this accompanies the other symptoms listed here, they may have a cold.
4. Slightly Swollen Glands
If your child has a cold, their glands may be swollen, which is another clear indicator.
While there is no cure for the common cold, most cases resolve in about seven to ten days without any complications.
Children Cold Symptoms: When Is It More Than Just a Cold?
It’s important to realize that these cold symptoms can also be signs for other, more serious diseases such as pneumonia. Therefore, it’s so vital to maintain good communication with your pediatrician whenever your child is sick.
If your child shows any of the following symptoms, schedule an appointment with the pediatrician as soon as possible:
- Fever
- Wheezing
- Loss of appetite/drinking leading to dehydration
- Extreme sleepiness
- Ear pain
- Excessive crankiness
- A cough that lasts longer than three weeks
Any time your child has difficulty breathing or blue lips, get immediate medical attention.
Is It Bad if a Child Gets a Cold?
It’s not necessarily bad—many children get several colds—but while colds in themselves aren’t dangerous, they can easily escalate into conditions that are.
Remember: antibiotics aren’t effective against a cold because a cold is caused by a virus. However, sometimes a cold can lead to a bacterial complication, such as an ear infection. In cases like that, your pediatrician may determine that a round of antibiotics would be helpful.
How to Treat the Common Cold in Children
Children need many of the same things adults do in order to recover from a cold: plenty of rest and fluids.
In addition, you should:
- Use a humidifier, which can help keep your child’s nasal passages moist.
- Sit with your child in a steamy room for 15 minutes to help improve congestion.
- Talk with your pediatrician about the best course of treatment for your child
Conway Medical Center’s Pediatric Experts Are Devoted to Specialized Care in a Comfortable Atmosphere
When you see cold symptoms in your child, contact one of our experienced pediatricians at CMC Pediatrics so we can ensure that the cold does not develop into something more serious.
We understand that children aren’t just “small adults.” They each have a specific set of needs that requires a different aspect of care. That’s why our entire health care team works together to create a treatment plan to help your child when they’re sick and to schedule wellness visits so they can remain healthy.
With multiple locations throughout Myrtle Beach, Marion, Conway and Horry County for your convenience, our CMC Pediatrics staff is focused on providing the highest level of compassionate care for your child.
