The common cold is common among children and represents what is usually a self-limited process. Symptoms include nasal congestion, sneezing and commonly a clear watery discharge. An irritated or sore throat can also accompany these symptoms.

Management:

• If old enough, have child blow his nose.
• With a baby, use a rubber bulb syringe to remove mucus.
• Use a cool-mist vaporizer in the child's room during napping and sleeping.
• For children over 18 months of age, use decongestants such as dimetapp or your pharmacist's suggestion.
• Tylenol for age, every 4 hours as needed for discomfort or fever.

 

Call Your Physician or Come to the Emergency Room If:

1. The child develops a fever and is less than 3 months of age.

2. The fever lasts longer than 24-48 hours.

3. The child develops difficulty breathing, is wheezing, or has croup or any other evidence of infection such as red eye or ear pain.

 

 

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