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Pediatric common cold
Why do children with colds have a lot of eye discharge?
Increased eye discharge in children with colds is primarily due to congestion and swelling of the nasal mucosa during a cold, which blocks the nasolacrimal duct. At the same time, pathogenic microorganisms from the nasal cavity can enter the eyes through the nasolacrimal duct, causing conjunctivitis, which leads to increased eye discharge. Therefore, when a child shows symptoms of a cold, it is important to maintain cleanliness and hygiene of the eyes. If nasal congestion is severe, medication should be administered under the guidance of a doctor to reduce the chance of developing conjunctivitis. If there is excessive eye discharge, eye drops can be used locally to alleviate the symptoms.
Symptoms of a cold in children
Children's cold, also known as acute upper respiratory tract infection in children, is the most common disease among children. It mainly refers to the inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose, nasopharynx, and pharynx, leading to acute rhinitis, acute pharyngitis, and acute tonsillitis, collectively referred to as such. After catching a cold, children can exhibit local symptoms, primarily manifesting as nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, mild cough, discomfort in the throat, or sore throat. Systemic symptoms may include fever, fatigue, headache, body aches, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, which often appears as spasmodic periumbilical pain without tenderness. In infants and young children, local symptoms are not severe, but systemic symptoms are more significant. A general physical examination can reveal congestion in the throat, swelling of the tonsils, and enlargement of the lymph nodes in the jaw and neck area.
What to do if a child has a cold and ear pain?
Children catching a cold indicates that they have an acute upper respiratory tract infection, which is mostly caused by viral infections, while others are caused by bacteria or mycoplasma infections. If a child experiences ear pain after catching a cold, we must be highly vigilant about whether the cold has caused otitis media. It is essential to take the child to an otolaryngology clinic promptly, allowing the doctor to examine the painful ear with an otoscope. If it is confirmed that the child has otitis media, treatment should be administered based on the type of otitis media, such as serous otitis media or bacterial otitis media. With active treatment, the problem of ear pain can be quickly alleviated and cured.
The Difference between a Cold and the Flu in Children
Epidemic influenza and the common cold have different pathogens for children. The main cause of epidemic influenza is the influenza virus or parainfluenza virus, meaning that the cold is caused by one or both of these viruses. This condition is called influenza. On the other hand, the common cold can be caused by many viruses, such as rhinovirus or coronavirus, and includes the influenza virus among others. Therefore, the pathogens are different; about 90% of common colds are caused by viruses.
Symptoms of cold and fever in children
Child colds indicate an upper respiratory infection, mostly caused by viral infections, with some triggering bacterial infections. It is very common for children with colds to have fevers. In such cases, it is important to ensure the child is well-hydrated. If the temperature exceeds 38.5°C, fever-reducing medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen suspension should be administered. Additionally, cold medications can be taken to alleviate symptoms. When the temperature is below 38.5°C, drinking plenty of fluids is usually sufficient. In essence, the main treatment for a cold is symptomatic relief. Symptoms like fever, runny nose, sneezing, and coughing are all common with colds. (Please take medication under the guidance of a professional physician, and do not self-medicate.)
How to treat a cold in children
Pediatric colds, also known as upper respiratory tract infections in children, are the most common illnesses among children. They primarily manifest as inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose, nasopharynx, and throat, which can lead to conditions such as rhinitis, pharyngitis, and acute tonsillitis. Collectively, these are referred to as upper respiratory tract infections, or simply pediatric colds. The treatment of pediatric colds mainly focuses on preparing for and preventing complications. Secondly, symptomatic treatment is essential. When a child has a high fever, antipyretics should be taken, and physical cooling can be achieved through cold compresses, or warm moist compresses. Children with febrile convulsions should be given sedatives and antispasmodics while reducing the fever. For significant nasal congestion, local medications can be used, or physiological saline water can be used to rinse the nose. For throat pain, throat lozenges can be taken, or sprays that alleviate throat discomfort can be used. It is also crucial to treat the cause of the illness. Generally, antiviral drugs are not specific, but ribavirin can be taken, along with Chinese herbal medicines that clear heat and detoxify. If there is a secondary bacterial infection, antibiotics should be used under the guidance of a hospital doctor.
Do children with colds need to take cephalosporins?
Pediatric colds can be divided into viral colds and bacterial infections that cause upper respiratory tract symptoms. Generally speaking, 90% of cases are commonly viral colds. Viral colds are mainly treated symptomatically. Appropriate antiviral medications can be used, and antipyretics can be given during fevers. Also, drinking plenty of warm water and using some Chinese patent medicines for clearing heat and detoxifying can be sufficient. However, if the viral infection lasts a long time, it can easily lead to a secondary bacterial infection. In such cases, antibiotics can be used. Initially, oral penicillin antibiotics should be chosen, and cephalosporin antibiotics can also be selected for anti-infection treatment. If considering bacterial infection causing upper respiratory tract infection, such as acute tonsillitis caused by streptococcus infection, oral penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics for anti-infection treatment can be used. Therefore, it is essential to choose medications based on the specific situation. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)
How to treat a child's cold and cough?
For upper respiratory infections in children causing colds and coughs, the treatment approach should vary based on the child's age, as well as the severity and duration of the illness. For mild cases with less severe symptoms, treatment can be administered at home including frequent hydration, drinking plenty of water, and symptomatic oral administration of expectorants and cough suppressants. If the child's cold and cough symptoms are more severe, with significant coughing and phlegm, and are even affecting the child's sleep, it is typically recommended for parents to take their child to the hospital for blood tests. These tests may include a complete blood count, Mycoplasma testing, or a C-reactive protein test, to identify the specific cause of the cold and cough, and to enable targeted treatment. (Note: The use of medication should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)
What should I do if a child has a stuffy nose at night due to a cold?
When a child catches a cold due to the invasion of pathogens, it can cause symptoms such as fever, runny nose, nasal congestion, cough, sore throat, headache, abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. Some children may experience severe nasal congestion, especially at night during sleep, which can lead to snoring and mouth breathing. At this time, we recommend using a warm towel to apply heat to the root of the child's nose, which can improve the child's nasal airway ventilation. Adjusting the child's sleeping position to lie on one side instead of on the back can also help relieve nasal congestion. Of course, if the child indeed has a cold, giving appropriate cold medicine during the day can provide symptomatic relief, which makes it easier to alleviate nasal congestion.
How to determine whether a child's cold is caused by a virus or bacteria
When determining whether a child's cold is caused by a viral infection or a bacterial infection, you can take the child to the hospital for a routine blood test. In most cases, it is caused by a viral infection. Combined with the routine blood test, if there is an increase in white blood cell count and neutrophil count, it usually indicates a bacterial infection. If the white blood cell count is normal, or low, along with an increase in lymphocyte count or percentage, it usually indicates a viral infection. Alternatively, combining this with a C-reactive protein test, if the C-reactive protein level significantly multiplies, then it indicates a bacterial infection.