COLDS AND COUGH

COLDS AND COUGH

A cold is a viral infection of the nose and throat. The first signs of a cold usually include: a scratchy throat and a stuffy or runny nose (viruses can cause clear, yellow, and green drainage from the nose). Later signs of a cold include: cough, sore throat, hoarseness, watery eyes, fever, headache, body aches, and chilliness. Colds (caused by viruses) are spread by hand contact (touching contaminated objects), coughing and sneezing. Colds can occur anytime, but are more frequent in the fall and winter. Children may get about 6-12 colds per year.

HOME CARE:

Increase fluid intake (this is VERY IMPORTANT)

Babies under 12 months: increase nursing/formula

Older children: water, broth, and other low sugar fluids

(diluted fruit juice, Kool-Aid)

Saline nose drops (especially before feeding)

2 drops each nostril with a dropper (with child laying down)

Wait one minute

Remove secretions by:

Rubber suction bulb for infants

Blowing nose for older kids - repeat 3-6 times a day

(Saline nasal solution can be purchased over the counter or "recipe" is:

1/2 tsp. salt in 1 cup of water)

Cold-water humidifier

Sleeping with the head of the bed elevated

(for infants: pillow under mattress, no pillows in bed with baby)

Good hand washing, especially after blowing nose

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be used for: fevers that are higher than 102° F, or for significant body aches

Petroleum jelly in nose openings (thin layer) helps protect them from irritation

IMPORTANT NOTES:

Colds are caused by viruses; antibiotics aren’t helpful and should not be used

In general, cold medicines are not helpful, and sometimes may worsen the situation. Two possible exceptions if child is older than one year may be: decongestant and

cough medicine (DM kind) if cough and congestion are extremely bothersome and interfering with sleep. Use at night only. See medicine charts in the appendix.

WHEN TO CALL:

Call immediately if:

-Child has difficulty breathing, and it does not improve after clearing the nose

-Child is acting very sick (if baby is 3 months old, or younger, review fever

protocol: page 52)

-Child is refusing fluids for several hours, very inactive, fever over 104° F (40° C)

Call during office hours for:

Fever, lasting more than 3 days (see page 52, information on fever)

Earache

Sinus pain

Severe sore throat

If cannot unblock infant's nose enough to give baby enough fluids

Repeated vomiting

If cold lasts more than 10-14 days

COUGH

Most coughs are due to a viral infection (see above). Other causes include: croup, flu, pneumonia, asthma, bronchitis, allergies, or if child accidentally inhales a small object (like a peanut).

WHAT TO DO:

Use measures outlined above

Cough is important, to clear mucus and protect lungs from pneumonia

Corn syrup: ages 1-3, may help loosen cough (use 1/2 to 1 tsp.)

Cough drops: use after age 4 (any kind)

Warm liquids (lemonade, apple juice, broth)

(may help relax the airway and loosen the mucus)

Avoid all exposure to cigarette smoke

Milk does not need to be eliminated

WHEN TO CALL:

Any infant under 2 months old with persistent cough

If child has difficulty breathing when not coughing

If cough is painful, persistent, and there is also whooping, vomiting, or turning blue

If cough lasts more than one week

If cough appears suddenly, and there is a fever

If cough starts after child has had a choking episode

(choking on food, or any object)

If child has nonstop (continuous) coughing