Symptoms of a cold in children

Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
Updated on November 20, 2024
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The symptoms of a minor cold most commonly involve fever in children, accompanied by a runny nose, nasal congestion, and coughing. Some may also experience shortness of breath, wheezing, and even symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. The symptoms can vary for each child. Some babies with a cold may only show symptoms like a runny nose, mild cough, and nasal congestion. Others might present with recurrent high fever, lethargy, and even vomiting and diarrhea. Therefore, it is important to adopt appropriate treatment measures tailored to each specific cause of the illness.

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Can a baby swim when they have a cold?

If the baby has a cold, it is not recommended to go swimming. A cold, also known as acute upper respiratory tract infection, is the most common illness in children. It primarily manifests as inflammation of the nasal, nasopharyngeal, and pharyngeal mucosa, which can lead to rhinitis, pharyngitis, and tonsillitis, among others. The majority of colds are caused by viruses and bacteria, with 90% being viral infections. During this period, a child's resistance is generally weaker. Therefore, in such cases, it is advisable for the child to rest more, drink plenty of water, and avoid vigorous activities. Hence, it is not recommended for children to go swimming in this situation; they should rest more instead.

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How long is the incubation period for a stomach flu?

Gastroenteritis, clinically, is mostly caused by viral infection, hence the incubation period for patients with viral flu typically ranges from one to three days. Due to differing immune functions, patients may exhibit varied clinical symptoms. In addition to upper respiratory infection symptoms, gastroenteritis patients often experience gastrointestinal discomfort, particularly in young infants, manifesting as nausea, vomiting, abdominal bloating, and diarrhea during the outbreak. Typically, gastroenteritis patients need a week for the infection to resolve and the healing process to complete. Thus, it is crucial in clinical practice to promptly provide antiviral and symptomatic treatment to relieve symptoms. Some mild cases can be cured, but most require appropriate medication for symptomatic treatment.

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What to eat for a child with a cold?

If a child's cold is considered to be caused by a viral infection, it is important to monitor the baby's temperature and mental response, among other factors. If the child does not have a fever, or only has a low fever and is in good spirits, simply monitoring the baby’s condition and ensuring they drink plenty of warm water and eat light, easily digestible foods is sufficient, with no other special requirements needed. However, some colds, such as those with persistent high fever, lethargy, and poor responsiveness, are more serious and require immediate attention. It is crucial to visit the hospital for further diagnosis and treatment in these cases. Sometimes, the impact of a cold should not be underestimated, as diseases like myocarditis and intracranial infections can initially be triggered by a cold. Therefore, a comprehensive analysis is necessary to make a judgement, and treatment should proceed under the guidance of a doctor.

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How many days does it take for a stomach cold to get better?

Gastroenteritis, also known as gastro flu, is caused by inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract which leads to a cold. This condition presents both gastrointestinal and cold symptoms, including nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, runny nose, and general weakness. The primary treatments involve using cold medications and antibiotics. Recovery usually occurs gradually over about a week. During the treatment period, it is crucial to follow a light diet, ensure proper nutrition, get plenty of rest, and drink additional water to stay hydrated.

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Can I eat oranges if I have a cold in the summer?

Colds that occur in the summer are generally more often heat-induced colds. Symptoms of heat-induced colds typically include fever, headache, or overall fatigue, along with chills, nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, and coughing among other clinical symptoms. It is generally not recommended for patients with such colds to eat oranges. Oranges are highly nutritious, containing a large amount of Vitamin C and some B vitamins. However, oranges can cause "internal heat," and eating too many oranges may exacerbate symptoms like sore throat. Therefore, it is generally advised not to eat oranges when one has a cold during summer. If one really wants to eat oranges, consuming a small amount, just a few segments, is acceptable.