Pediatrics - Common Cold
Introduction
Colds are a very common medical condition. There are over two hundred viruses that can cause the common cold. The viruses are easily transmitted from person to person. Coughing, sneezing, a sore throat, and a runny nose are typical cold symptoms. There is no cure for the common cold. Symptoms may be relieved with rest, over-the-counter medications, and by drinking plenty of fluids.Anatomy
A cold virus can affect your child's upper respiratory system. The upper respiratory system includes the ears, nose, and throat. A mucus membrane lines the nose and secretes mucus that filters germs and dust when your child breathes. The sinuses are behind your child's nose and in the bones of your child's head and face. Sinuses are filled with air and are also lined with a mucus membrane.Causes
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
Am I at Risk
Is My Child at Risk?
Certain situations may place your child at a higher risk for contracting a cold. Essentially, the more people your child is around the more likely your child is to catch a cold. Being near people with colds that cough, sneeze, and blow their noses increases your child's risk. Cold incidences increase during the winter months or rainy season when people spend more time indoors.
Children in daycare facilities and school classrooms are vulnerable to catching a cold. Teach your children to wash their hands frequently and thoroughly. It is helpful to disinfect shared toys and commonly used items. Children that play team sports are also susceptible to colds. Your child should wash their hands after playing or using shared sports equipment. Sports equipment should be disinfected after use.
Your child is at a higher risk of contracting colds if he or she touches public items, such as grocery carts, phones, keyboards, and bus or subway railings. Shaking hands with a person that has a cold increases your child's risk of catching a cold.
Complications
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This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.
The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on February 16, 2022. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.
