Coughs, colds, and other antics in children

Coughs, colds, and other antics in childrenCoughs, colds, and other antics in children Coughs, colds, and other antics in childrenCoughs, colds, and other antics in children

You've probably forgotten what it feels like NOT to have a runny nose or a cough in your house at this time of year.

Yes, it's cough and cold season and we're in the grip of it.

But thankfully Dr Ilana Dickson has come to the rescue with these tips on how to treat cough and colds, and any red flags to look out for, in kids.

What causes cough and runny nose?

These symptoms are usually caused by a viral infection called an upper respiratory tract infection.

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Lots of viruses can take hold inside your nose, mouth, throat or lungs, and cause cold (chest cold/congestion) symptoms. 

Most people get over a cold without any lasting problems. Even so, having a cold can be unpleasant.

But there's no magic wand here; TIME is the best medicine.

Treatment

Our tendency is to try and treat these unpleasant symptoms with a 'cold medicine'. But, despite the urge to reach for one of these syrups, elixirs, or suspensions, these so-called cold and cough medicines will not make the symptoms, or the cold, go away any quicker!

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Unless your doctor has diagnosed you with a bacterial infection, which over 90% of colds by nature are not, the only medicine out there is TIME to let it run its course.  

Often, children will present with viral-associated, asthma-like symptoms and therefore your doctor may prescribe an inhaler.

Sometimes nasal sprays or drops can provide relief, especially for runny, congested little noses. Nasal saline drops with or without the usage of a suction bulb is almost always helpful.

Antihistamines may sometimes be helpful to use to get some relief from runny noses, but it's important to remember that it will not cure a cold.  

For the little guys

For the little babies, nasal suctioning (with a bulb suction and nasal saline) is the best medicine!

This can really make those little guys more comfortable, especially when it is simply not safe to administer any cough/cold medicine (unless your doctor recommends it).

For children between 2 and 6 years of age, the safety of cough and cold medicines has not been well established and, some studies have shown, may even be harmful.

It is best to carefully follow your doctor’s instructions with this age group.

After 6 years of age, most cold medicines are approved; however, remember that the course of the cold will not be altered whether or not you offer your child these medicines.

All medicines come with unnecessary side effects that can be best avoided by not taking them if you don’t need to. 

Viral infections and fever

Viral infections can also cause fever.

In general, for a child 3 months and above who has been properly immunized, it is okay to watch them at home with fever for up to three days before bringing them in for evaluation IF there are no signs or symptoms of: 

  • Difficulty breathing (retractions, wheezing, shortness of breath, fast breathing, laboring to breathe, blueness) 
  •  Dehydration (refusing fluids, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased urine, sunken eyes, dry mouth, listlessness) 
  • Altered mental status (irritability, lethargy, bizarre behavior, stiff neck) 
  • New rash WITH fever 
  • Fever 105°F/41°C.

For young infants under 3 months of age - especially in the first 6 weeks - fever (anything 100 or above) should be evaluated promptly by a medical provider, which may mean bringing your child in overnight to be seen in Casualty or A&E. 

Fever should be taken very seriously in the young infant.   

Note: Most colds will eventually turn yellow or green, whether they are viral or bacterial.

This is part of the natural course of any cold whether it’s viral or bacterial.  

Cold symptoms that present with prolonged fever or symptoms last longer that 10-14 days should be evaluated by your doctor. 

If you ever have any questions or are unsure what to do, please do not hesitate to reach out!

Cheers!

Dr. Dickson

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