What Are The Complications Of Common Cold In Children?

Common cold in kids is most often caused by rhinoviruses and usually goes away with salt water gargling and keeping natural vapour patches handy in case of nasal congestion.

BabyChakra

100% Natural Vapour Patch

₹ 199

Add To Bag

However, sometimes your child might face some health complications of common cold, such as bronchitis, sinus, strep throat or pneumonia. Read on to know more about some of the complications of common cold in children.

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is one of the complications of the common cold in children. It is a form of lower respiratory infection that affects the air tubes of the lungs, known as bronchi. If your child’s cough and cold are not monitored, the little one might be at risk of being infected with it.

Bronchitis Symptoms

Look for the symptoms of bronchitis in your kid if he/ she has the following signs:

• cough with mucus and chest tightness
• extreme fatigue
• chills
• mild fever

When To Call The Doctor

It is advisable to call the doctor right away if your child has a fever that

• lasts more than three weeks
• interrupts sleep and produces blood
• comes along with a fever greater than 38 degree Celsius
• Brings with it wheezing or difficulty breathing

Sinus

Sinusitis is an infection of the sinuses and nasal passages that can develop when a common cold persists and blocks your child’s sinuses. The blocked sinuses trap bacteria or viruses in the nasal mucus and cause sinus infection and inflammation.

Sinus Symptoms

Sinus infection in your child is marked by the following symptoms:

• facial pain and bad headaches
• fever, cough and sore throat
• a feeling of fullness in the ears
• loss of taste and smell

When To Call The Doctor

It is recommended to call the doctor right away if your child:

• has a high fever
• has a nasal discharge that is yellow or green
• extreme headache

The doctor might suggest over-the-counter pain relievers, decongestants, and possibly antibiotics provide relief to your child.

Strep Throat

Sometimes, your child with a cold might also get strep throat which is caused by streptococcal bacteria. Your child can get it from touching an infected surface or contacting an infected person.

Strep Throat Symptoms

The symptoms of strep throat in your child include:

• swollen, red tonsils
• a painful throat
• fever with headache
• difficulty swallowing
• small, red dots on the roof of the mouth
• rashes
• fatigue
• tender and swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• stomach pain or vomiting

When To Call The Doctor

You should call the doctor right away if your child:

• has a cold that does not get cured after 48 hours
• has a high fever with a headache
• the painful throat that tends to worsen 

Pneumonia

If your child’s cold is not monitored carefully and left untreated, he/ she might be at risk of pneumonia, which can be one of the dangerous complications of common cold in children. With pneumonia, the lungs become inflamed and cause further complications.

Pneumonia Symptoms

To know if your child has developed pneumonia, look for the following symptoms:

• extreme cough with large amounts of coloured mucus
• shortness of breath and a persistent fever greater than 38.9 degree Celsius
• sharp pain when your child takes a deep breath
• chest pains, severe chills or sweating

Usually, pneumonia is responsive to treatment with antibiotics and supportive therapy. Therefore, it is advisable to call the doctor all at once if you notice the above-listed symptoms in your child.

It is essential to pay close attention to your child’s cold symptoms as early diagnosis is crucial to managing potential complications of common cold in children.

Cover Image Credit: pexels