COLDS

 

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

 

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR COLDS

  1. For a Runny Nose With Profuse Discharge: Blow or Suction the Nose.
    • The nasal mucus and discharge is washing viruses and bacteria out of the nose and sinuses.
    • Blowing the nose is all that's needed. For younger children use nasal suction.
    • Apply petroleum jelly to the nasal openings to protect them from irritation (cleanse the skin first).
  2. For a Blocked Nose: Use Nasal Washes.
    • Use warm water OR saline nose drops to loosen up the dried mucus followed by blowing or suctioning. Instill 2-3 drops in each nostril. (Caution: if < 1 year old, use 1 drop at a time) Do 1 side at a time. Repeat nosedrops until clear. Do nasal washes at least 4 times a day or whenever your child can't breathe through the nose.
    • Saline nosedrops - add ½ teaspoon of table salt to 1 cup (8 oz.) of warm water.
    • Importance: A young infant can't nurse or drink from a bottle unless the nose is open.
    • Note: Most stuffy noses are blocked by dried/sticky mucus and suction alone or blowing the nose cannot remove it.
    • Use a wet cotton swab to remove mucus that's very sticky.
  3. Humidifier: If the air in your home is dry, use a humidifier.
  4. Medicines: Most cold medicines are not helpful. They can't remove dried mucus from the nose. Antihistamines are only helpful if your child also has nasal allergies. Antibiotics are not helpful unless your child develops an ear or sinus infection.
  5. Treatment for Associated Symptoms of Colds:
    Fever - Use acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or ibuprofen for muscle aches, headaches, or fever > 102°F (39° C).
    Sore Throat - Use warm chicken broth for > 1 year old and hard candy for >4 years old.
    Cough - Use cough drops for children over 4 years old, and corn syrup (2 to 5 ml) for younger children over 1 year old.
    Red Eyes -  Rinse eyelids frequently with wet cotton balls.
  6. Contagiousness: Your child can return to day care or school after the fever is gone and your child feels well enough to participate in normal activities. For practical purposes, the spread of colds cannot be prevented.
  7. Expected Course: Fever 2-3 days, nasal discharge 7-10 days, cough 2-3 weeks.
  8. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Fever lasts > 3 days
    • Any fever occurs if < 12 weeks old
    • Nasal discharge lasts > 10 days
    • Cough lasts > 3 weeks  
    • Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms  

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Pediatric SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 Barton Schmitt, M.D. FAAP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2003

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