Does your child have a cold? When the sniffles and sneezes strike, take a look at the dos and don'ts of caring for a kid with this all-too-common condition.
Do Call the Pediatrician
Are you sure your child has a cold? This common, contagious upper respiratory tract infection can mimic other, sometimes more serious, illnesses.
Cold symptoms, such as stuffy nose, sore throat, and sneezing, are also signs of the flu. A sore throat could also signal a strep infection, and not the common cold. If your child's possible cold symptoms overlap with those seen in the flu, strep, or other respiratory infections, contact the doctor before you do anything to treat the illness.
The pediatrician may need to see your child in the office for an exam and test for flu, strep throat, or another illness. If the doctor confirms your child does have a cold, read on for more information on how to (and not to) help them to heal.
Don't Ask for Antibiotics
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), antibiotics won't cure a cold. Even though a cold can make your child uncomfortable for days or longer, the doctor can't prescribe a pill to make the illness go away. Instead, your child will need to wait for the virus to run its course.
Even though antibiotics are necessary for some infections, such as strep throat, use for a virus (such as the cold) can cause more harm than good. Antibiotics come with potential side effects, including rashes and gastrointestinal issues. Beyond temporary side effects, overuse of this type of medication can also lead to antibiotic-resistant infections.
Do Help to Hydrate
Colds, like some other illnesses, can leave your child dehydrated. Symptoms of dehydration in children may include dry or sticky mouth, lack of tears, sunken eyes, reduced urine output (or less wet diapers, depending on your child's age), dry or cool skin, drowsiness, dizziness, or unexplained irritability.
How can you reduce the risk of dehydration during a cold? Help your child to replace lost fluids and encourage them to drink water. Avoid caffeinated sodas and sugary beverages. Instead, choose plain water or a rehydration drink (if the pediatrician approves this type of product).
Don't Give Aspirin
Does your child have a fever? Even though it's more likely your child will have a high fever with the flu or a bacterial infection, it's possible they'll have this symptom with a cold.
Never give your child aspirin to bring down a fever. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against giving children aspirin or aspirin-containing products - especially during viral infections. Research has found a connection between the use of aspirin during viral infections and a serious condition known as Reye Syndrome.
Reye Syndrome is a rare, but potentially fatal, condition that can affect and injure the child's brain, liver, or other organs. Even though the medical community doesn't know exactly what causes Reye Syndrome, it's linked to viral illnesses and the use of aspirin-containing products.
Do Ask About Ibuprofen
If you can't give your sick child aspirin, how can you lower their fever? Before you give your child any medication, including over-the-counter liquids, tablets, or pills, ask the pediatrician. Ibuprofen is an option approved for children over six months of age. This medicine can lower fever and relieve some of your child's other cold symptoms.
Ask the doctor how much ibuprofen is recommended before you give your child their first dose. Recommendations depend on your child's age, weight, and the specific product.
Does your child have a cold? Contact the Valley Pediatric Clinic for more information.