Common Cold in Children


Common cold in children – Introduction


Common cold is the general term used when there is a viral infection in the upper respiratory tract. This is a common viral infection in children i.e., in infants and young kids. Children typically have a common cold 8-10 times a year and the number will be more if the child attends daycare or school.


What are the symptoms of common cold in children ?


The most affected parts due to common cold are the nose, throat, and upper airways. The symptoms develop over a period of 1–3 days after the virus attacks.

  1. Runny Nose (Rhinorrhea)

    The runny nose starts as a watery nasal discharge. Later on the mucus thickens and turns yellow or green.
  2. Nasal Congestion

    Due to the mucus build up children experience stuffy nose and inflammation of nasal tissues. Stuffy nose makes it difficult for the child to breathe so they start mouth breathing along with snoring during sleep.
  3. Sneezing

    The first symptom of common cold would be frequent sneezing. Sneezing is good in a way since it can clear the nasal irritants.
  4. Cough

    The cough starts off as a dry cough and gradually becomes wet or phlegmy. Cough is triggered by irritation of the throat. Usually cough is the last to go and in some children it can last up to 1–3 weeks.
  5. Sore Throat

    Post nasal drip causes sore throat and it leads to a scratchy or irritated throat.
  6. Fever

    Infants and toddlers usually get fever when compared to older children. Infants under the age of 3 months require medical attention for small or high grade fever.
  7. Irritability and Fussiness

    Infants and newborns are in a very irritated state during cold due to nasal congestion, difficulty in breathing and inability to sleep. They start crying and some kids cry non stop.
  8. Fatigue and weakness

    Children are less active, and irritated. Fatigue is the result of the virus and the body’s immune system fighting off the virus.
  9. Poor Appetite

    Most children refuse to eat and drink due to nasal congestion. In breastfeeding babies they do not take the feed since they have trouble breathing during the feed.
  10. Body pains and headache

    In grown up children they experience mild to severe body aches. Headache is caused due to sinus pressure.
  11. Mild Chills

    If the child has fever they also experience mild chills.


For expert pediatric care and common cold care, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).


What are the causes of the common cold in children?


The common cold is caused by viral infection of the lining of the nose, throat, and upper respiratory tract. Since the immune system of the children is in a developing stage they are more prone to this viral infection. When they are playing in the playground or attending school they will be in close contact with other children who might have the virus. Various reasons for common cold are as follows:-


Viruses


Around 200 different viruses are known to cause cold symptoms, and the most noteworthy are:-

  • Rhinoviruses in approximately 30–50% of cases
  • Coronaviruses (non-COVID types) in approximately ~10–15%
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in infants
  • Parainfluenza viruses
  • Adenoviruses
  • Enteroviruses is a seasonal virus common in summer/fall.


Transmission from one to another

  • If a child is near an already sick person and if they cough, sneeze or even talk the virus travels through air and infects the child.
  • If a child touches, hugs or shakes hands with a sick person then also the virus spreads through contact.
  • If the child comes in contact with objects which are infected with virus then form those objects the child will get the virus. Most possible infected objects which a child comes in contact could be :
    • Toys
    • Play areas
    • Digital devices

    Children touch these objects and usually touch their mouths and faces so the virus directly gets transmitted to them.


Developing Immune System

  • Babies, toddlers, infants and young kinds are yet to develop an immune system against many viruses. So when a new virus attacks them they don’t have the immune system to fight it. But when a virus attacks they develop the immune system to fight it.


Close proximity to infected people/objects

  • Children often play together, hug each other, accidentally share utensils like spoons etc, at their school or in a daycare. If any of these are infected then children catch infection.


Poor hygiene

  • Unless supervised by an adult children usually don’t maintain good hygiene practices such as handwashing.
  • They often don’t cover their mouths while sneezing, and when they cover they don’t necessarily sanitize their hands after coughing or sneezing.


Touching of face

  • Children are usually touching their eyes, nose, mouth, and licking their fingers which gives an easy access to the virus to enter.


Un-hygienic practices

  • Children may not wash hands often or even cover their mouth while coughing. They also do not use tissues properly


Seasonal and Environmental Factors

  • Common cold occurs mostly in winter or fall due to the cold weather.
  • Due to the cold weather people spend a lot of time indoors in close proximity.
  • The air is dry in winter so the nasal passages also dry up. Viruses can easily attack under such conditions.
  • Occasionally cold is caught in summer too due to a certain virus called enteroviruses.


Poor Nutrition

  • If the child does not get enough nutrients in their diet the immune system does not build up properly so they are easily prone to common cold.


Allergies

  • Some children have nasal allergies which makes it easier for viruses to enter and cause infection.


For expert pediatric care and common cold care, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).


Treatment for common cold at Isha Specialty Clinics


Treating cold means focussing on the symptomatic relief:

  • Give lots of fluids to the child to avoid dehydration
  • Let the child rest which is required for recovery
  • Saline nasal drops or sprays can be sprayed to loosen the mucus. This helps in easy breathing.
  • Bulb syringe or nasal aspirator can be used to clear the nostrils of the infant.
  • A humidifier in the child’s bedroom will moisten the airways and aid in breathing.
  • No antibiotics since they are not effective against viruses.
  • For children under the age of 6 cold medicine is not given since they have not been proven beneficial and also carry side effects.


For expert pediatric care and common cold care, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).


When to take your child to a doctor for a common cold?


  • If the child has a fever > 102°F (38.9°C)
  • If the child is below 6 months of age and has any degree of fever(mild or high)
  • If the child is dehydrating i.e., dry mouth, no tears, very few wet diapers
  • Unable to breathe
  • Wheezing
  • Cough worsening day by day
  • If the child complains of ear pain
  • If the symptoms of cold don’t seem to subside on their own.


For expert pediatric care and common cold care, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

How to prevent the common cold in children?


Prevention is the best way to protect children from common colds. One should teach kids hygiene habits and minimizing exposure to germs. Below are some of the strategies that can significantly reduce the risk:

  • Teach the kids handwashing for at least 20 seconds. Hand sanitizer can be used if soap is not available. Kids should especially wash their hands before eating, and after interacting in a public place.
  • Tell your children to stay away from sick people. Similarly if your child is sick make sure that they are at home and not spreading it to others.
  • Discourage Face Touching. Children should be repeatedly told not to touch their face, eyes, nose, and mouth, since they are the gateways for germs to enter.
  • Make sure that you regularly disinfect the areas or objects that your child frequently uses. They could be toys, doorknobs, light switches.


Build their strong immune system so ensure they:

  • Feed them nutrient rich diet
  • Sleep for at least 10–12 hours
  • Play outdoors and stay physically active.
  • Drink plenty of water


Vaccinations

  • Children should be given timely flu shots and others as recommended by your doctor to reduce the risk of catching cold.


Good Air Quality

  • Invest in a good humidifier during winters when the weather is especially dry. Humidifiers keep the nasal passages moist and make them less susceptible to virus attack.


Attention to proper Sneezing/Coughing Etiquette

  • Teach them to use a tissue or elbow, not hands while sneezing or coughing.
  • Appropriate usage of tissues and also disposing them off in bins. Infected tissues could easily spread the virus.


For expert pediatric care and common cold care, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).


About Isha Specialty Clinics, Hyderabad


Isha Specialty Clinic is the best Hospital in Manikonda for your heart care and child care. For all your pediatric and newborn care we are a one stop solution. Our expert team of doctors and state of the art labs offer you comprehensive pediatric services. When you visit us you will experience the best paediatric care, children nutrition advice and best cardiologist treatment in Hyderabad. Isha Specialty clinics are located at various convenient locations in Hyderabad such as Manikonda, Gachibowli, Banjara Hills and Toli Chowki, Mehdipatnam, Narsingi, Alkapur township.


Our expert team of doctors


Dr. Swathy Talishetty – MBBS (Osmania), MD (Niloufer) – Child and Newborn Specialist (Paediatric Doctor)


Dr. Swathy Talishetty is a top rated child care specialist. Dr.Swathy is an alumnus of Osmania Medical College where she completed her MBBS in 2007 and later on pursued her MD in Pediatrics from Niloufer Hospital in 2012. Dr Talishetty Swathi has specialized in:-

  • Newborn and infant care
  • Immunization
  • Growth and development monitoring
  • Preterm baby management
  • Childhood overweight management.


Dr. Swathy Talishetty’s compassionate approach, combined with her in-depth knowledge of pediatric nutrition, enables her to offer comprehensive care that addresses both medical and nutritional needs of children, ensuring their healthy growth and development. Get children treatment and pediatric nutrition consultation with Dr. Swathy Talishetty at Isha Speciality Clinics Manikonda, nearby Gachibowli and Narsingi areas in Hyderabad.


Dr. Nithin Annarapu – MBBS, MD – General Medicine, DM – Cardiology


Dr. Nithin Annarapu has more than a decade of heart care experience. 18 Years Experience Overall (12 years as heart specialist). Dr. Nithin Annarapu Annarapu is an Interventional Cardiologist in Manikonda Hyderabad and has an experience of 18 years in heart treatment, surgeries and cardiac procedures. He has saved many lives with his excellent treatments for palpitations which are heart related. Dr. Nithin Annarapu is practicing at Isha Speciality Clinics Manikonda, near Gachibowli in Hyderabad. He completed MBBS from Siddhartha Medical College & Research in 2002, MD – General Medicine from Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad in 2006 and DM – Cardiology from Nizam Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad in 2010.


Major Treatments at Isha Speciality Clinics


Pediatric Care

  • Newborn and infant care
  • Immunization
  • Growth and development monitoring
  • Preterm baby management
  • Childhood overweight management.


Heart treatment

  • Mitral valve replacement surgery
  • Heart valve replacement and repair
  • Coronary Angioplasty
  • Coronary Angiogram
  • Cardiac catheterization
  • Angioplasty


Pain treatment

  • Thoracic epidural injections
  • Cervical epidural injections
  • Intraarticular joint injections
  • Nerve Block
  • Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapy
  • Lumbar Epidural Injections


For expert pediatric care and common cold care, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).


For emergency care or appointments, contact Dr. Swathi Talishetty at Isha Speciality Clinic, Manikonda – Hyderabad at 96760 7020. Book an appointment today for expert pediatric care!

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