Colds |
Colds |
Definition and cause |
A cold is an acute viral infection of the upper respiratory tract that lasts several days. Three to nine infections per year are considered usual for preschool children in the United States. The infection is spread person to person by contact with secretions from the nose. An individual is contagious for 1-2 days before developing symptoms of a cold. A person develops a cold 1-4 days after becoming infected with the virus. |
Distinguishing allergies from colds |
Allergies are seldom accompanied by fever; colds are. Allergies tend to cause itchy eyes and nose; colds do not. Allergies usually trigger constant and consistent bouts of sneezing; colds are characterized by sporadic sneezing. |
Symptoms |
Stuffy nose, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing Watery discharge from nose and red, moist mucous membranes in nose Mild sore throat Fever usually slight but may be high in infant Decreased appetite, especially in infants Mild red throat Mildly red eyes Generally don't feel good Red ear drums in infants |
Complications |
Secondary bacterial infections like strep throat Middle ear infection Sinus infection Lower respiratory tract infection |
Treatment |
Offer fluids by mouth frequently. Fluids and humidity are the best supportive measures, and many times, medication is not needed. Clear liquids should be given to thin the mucous. Place a vaporizer or humidifier on the floor in the child's room. A cool mist humidifier is best. Rinse the water container between uses and do not use any medicine in the vaporizer. Stop using the vaporizer if it increases nasal stuffiness. A steam vaporizer should not be used within the reach of a child. If the child sounds congested and is too young to blow his/her nose, gently suction each nostril with a 1 ounce rubber or plastic ear syringe before each feeding. The rubber syringe must be cleaned after each use with soap and water to prevent reinfection. If nasal mucous is quite thick, it may be loosened by dropping 1-2 drops of Ocean Mist, normal saline nose drops, or tap water in each nostril, then gently suctioning with a 1 ounce rubber or plastic ear syringe. To make normal saline nose drops, dissolve 1/4 teaspoon salt in 1 cup of warm water. Cool to room temperature. Discard the solution after 2 days. Sometimes raising the head of the child's bed helps to relieve coughing. Stack books 2-3 inches under the legs at the head of the child's bed. Family members should try to keep their cold to themselves by carefully disposing of tissues; not sharing towels, glasses, or eating utensils; covering the mouth and nose with tissues when coughing or sneezing; and washing the hands thoroughly after blowing the nose or sneezing. An over-the-counter decongestant such as Pediacare or Sudafed can be given according to the directions on the package or as recommended by the doctor or pharmacist. Do not exceed 4 doses in a 24 hour period. Acetominophen may be given for fever. Brand names of this product include Anacin, Liquiprin, Panadol, Tempra, and Tylenol. ASPIRIN SHOULD NEVER BE GIVEN BECAUSE IT CAN CAUSE REYE SYNDROME. Reye Syndrome is a serious disorder of the brain and liver. |
Over-the-counter and commonly used medicines containing Aspirin |
Alka -Seltzer Alka-Seltzer Plus CM Anacin Tablets Anacin Maximum Strength Arthritis Pain Formula Arthritis Strength Bufferin Ascriptin Aspergum Bayer Aspirin Bayer Children's Cold Tablet Bufferin Cama Inlay-Tabs Congesprin Chewable Tablets Corcidin D Tabs Corcidin Medilet Tabs Corcidin Tablets or Syrup for Children Dristan Decongestant Tablets |
Ecotrin Tablets Emperin Excedrin Tablets Fiornal Goody's Headache Powders Midol Norwich Aspirin Pepto Bismol Quietworld Analgesic Sine-Off Tablets St. Joseph Aspirin St. Joseph Cold Tablets Stanbach Analgesic Powder Triaminicin Tablets Vanquish Viro-Med Tablets |
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