Colds in children Colds are one of the most common childhood diseases that almost every child experiences many times during their growing years. Although usually mild and self-limiting, this viral illness can be distressing for children and parents. Recognizing the symptoms of a cold as one of the common diseases of children helps parents to have a better understanding of their child's condition and to see a doctor in time if needed. This article deals with the comprehensive review of cold symptoms in children. What is a cold? A cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract that mainly affects the nose and throat. More than 200 different types of viruses can cause the common cold, but the most common are rhinoviruses. Children are more susceptible to colds than adults due to their developing immune systems and more contact with other children at daycare or school. How a cold is transmitted Cold viruses are easily transmitted through respiratory droplets caused by a sick person's cough, sneeze or talk. Also, contact with surfaces infected with the virus and then touching the face, especially the nose and eyes, can lead to the transmission of the disease. Common cold symptoms in children Cold symptoms usually appear 1 to 3 days after exposure to the virus and can last up to 7 to 10 days. The severity and type of symptoms may vary in different children, but the most common ones are: ### Runny nose This symptom is usually the first sign of a cold. At first, nasal discharge may be clear and watery, but gradually become thicker and white, yellow, or green. Discolored discharge does not necessarily mean a bacterial infection. ### Nasal congestion Inflammation and increased secretions in the nose can lead to nasal congestion, which is especially annoying for babies and young children, for whom breathing through the nose is vital, and can interfere with feeding and sleeping. ### Cough Cough is one of the main symptoms of a cold and is usually caused by irritation of the throat and respiratory tract caused by nasal secretions and inflammation. Cough in a cold is usually dry but may become phlegm in the later stages. ### Sore throat Sore throat can cause burning, itching, or pain in the throat, especially when swallowing. Older children may complain of a sore throat, while younger children may be more irritable and refuse to eat. ### sneezing Sneezing is a natural reaction of the body to expel irritants from the nose and is common in colds due to inflammation of the nasal mucosa. ### Slight fever Many children with a cold develop a mild fever (usually below 38.5°C). Fever is usually present for the first few days of illness and then subsides. ### Lethargy and fatigue Children may feel tired and lethargic during the course of a cold and have less desire to play and be active. ### Loss of appetite Nasal congestion, sore throat and general malaise can lead to decreased appetite in children. ### Headache Older children may complain of a mild headache during the cold period. ### Mild muscle pain Some children may also experience mild muscle pain. Symptoms that require more attention and see a doctor? While the common cold is usually a mild illness, some symptoms indicate the possibility of more serious infections or complications and require a visit to a pediatrician: - High fever (above 38.5 degrees Celsius in babies under 3 months and above 39 degrees Celsius in older children).\*\* - Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath, wheezing. - Severe and persistent cough that causes vomiting or disturbs the child's sleep. - Severe sore throat that prevents swallowing. - Ear pain or discharge from the ear. - Lethargy and excessive sleepiness. - No improvement of symptoms after 10 days or worsening of symptoms after a period of improvement - Symptoms of dehydration (decrease in urine, dry mouth and tongue, lack of tears when crying). - Skin rash with fever. - Continuous and inconsolable crying in babies Refusal to feed or drink liquids in infants Home care for colds In most cases, colds in children can be managed with home care: - Sufficient rest: Allow the child to rest sufficiently. - Consuming plenty of fluids: encouraging the child to drink water, natural fruit juice, thin soup and breast milk (for babies). Sore Throat Relief: For older children, gargling with warm salt water can help relieve a sore throat. - Reducing fever: in case of high fever and discomfort of the child, you can use acetaminophen or ibuprofen (with the appropriate dose for the age and weight of the child and as prescribed by the doctor or pharmacist). Avoid giving aspirin to children. - Opening the airways: using cold or hot fumigation (carefully and out of the reach of children), saline nasal drops or sprays can help open the airways. For babies, it is recommended to use a nasal spray to remove secretions. - Keeping your head up while sleeping: This can help you breathe more easily. Prevention of colds Although it is difficult to completely prevent the cold in children, the following tips can help reduce the chance of catching and spreading it: Teach your child to wash their hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing, touching public surfaces, and before eating. - It is very important to use a tissue and throw it away immediately after use, or cough and sneeze on the inside of the elbow. - Avoid close contact with sick people - Not sharing personal items. - Healthy eating, enough sleep and regular physical activity can help strengthen the child's immune system. #### Summary Cold is a common disease in children, which is usually accompanied by symptoms such as runny and stuffy nose, cough, sore throat and mild fever. Most colds get better with home care. However, it is very important to be aware of the warning signs and address to the best pediatrician in Tehran at the right time if they occur, to ensure the health of the child and prevent possible complications. Always remember that if you have any concerns about your child's health, consulting a doctor is the best course of action. To consult with Dr. Mehdi Afshari, call 02166602506 or make an appointment online.