10 Frequently Asked Questions About Coughs And Colds In Kids Answered

Kids and colds go almost together like peanut butter and jelly and are one of the most common illnesses that leads to more healthcare provider visits, and missed days from school than any other illness. Kids are more likely to catch a cold than adults because their immune systems are still developing. Some of its common symptoms are coughing, sore throat, fever, blocked or runny nose and sneezing.

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There are some frequently asked questions about coughs and colds in kids. If you too have questions about coughs and colds in kids then read on to find the answers.

10 Frequently Asked Questions About Cough And Cold In Kids Answered

How does a cold differ from the flu?

The common cold will have symptoms like a blocked or runny nose, cough, sneezing, mild fever, watery eyes, and muscle pain. It usually lasts for two to three days. On the other hand, the flu has symptoms like high fever, chills, intense body aches, chest tightness or pain, sore throat, cough, and severe fatigue.

These symptoms are typically intense for three to five days and go away with proper treatment within 10 days.

Is my child’s fever associated with cough and cold a cause of concern?

Fever associated with cough and cold in kids is usually mild and is not a cause of concern. The doctor might recommend acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever, aches, and pains. However, it is advisable to call a doctor again if the fever does not go away after three days.

Why should children under two not use over-the-counter cough and cold medicines?

Children below two years of age should not be given any kind of cough and cold products that contain decongestants or antihistamines due to serious and possibly life-threatening side effects like convulsions, rapid heart rates, and even death.

What causes coughs and colds?

Mostly, cough and cold symptoms are caused by viruses and cause a mild illness that goes away on its own without needing any special treatment. However, cold symptoms can also be caused by other conditions including:

• sinusitis
• bronchitis
• whooping cough
• laryngitis
• asthma
• croup
• pneumonia
• COVID-19

What steps can I take to prevent my kid from getting coughs and colds?

Although it is not possible to prevent all coughs and colds, there are some precautions that you can inculcate in your toddler to reduce the chance of the little one getting sick. These are:

• handwashing, especially after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose
• coughing or sneezing into the elbow
• avoiding using shared items that might be infected
• using tissues instead of hankies and throwing them out right away

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Can giving enough fluids to kids help with their coughs?

Liquids such as a bowl of hot soup or a cup of hot tea make it easier for your child to cough up phlegm which helps soothe the throat and decrease irritation.

Are there any complications linked to coughs and colds?

Most coughs and colds in kids pass quickly with no special medical treatment required and do not involve any complications. However, in some cases, your child might develop a bacterial infection after being sick with a cold virus. Therefore, it is advisable to call a doctor if your child’s cough symptoms tend to worsen after three days.

How can I calm my kid’s cough?

Since cough medicines are not recommended for children below two years of age, you can give the little one a teaspoon or two of honey before bed to ease his/her cough.

When to call the doctor?

It is advisable to call the doctor if you notice that the kid:

• has a high fever and trouble breathing 
• has a bad headache and a sore throat
• has intense belly pain or pressure in the chest
• seems to look bluish on the lips or face

Will antibiotics help my child’s cold?

It is not advisable to give any medicine to kids without consulting a doctor. There might be certain drugs present in the medicines that might harm your child’s health and resist neurological development.
Cough and cold in kids are common. However, it is important to carefully monitor your child’s cold symptoms to avoid further complications.

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