Cough, Cough, Sneeze or Cough, Sneeze, Cough?

A chill is in the air, children are back in school, and you finally have some time for yourself. If only your little one did not have a green runny nose. You know it must be bronchitis because that persistent cough is rattling the house, your neighbor’s child has the same thing, and their doctor prescribed an antibiotic for their child. Before yelling at the poor person who tells you this is a simple cold that needs only comfort care, let us review the life cycle of a common cold.

An average cold can last up to ten days. Typically, a child will start with a clear runny nose, a mild nighttime or early morning cough, and possibly a mild sore throat. After three to four days, the nasal secretions will thicken and become greenish/yellow in color. In addition, your child may develop a low-grade fever of 100 to 102 degrees. At this point, if you’re going to run anywhere, make it to a drug store for a decongestant and fever medication of your choice. A box of tissues or a soft rubber suction bulb does wonders for clearing your child's nose and a humidifier can help comfort mild throat irritation. Chances are, after four days of a thick green/yellow runny nose, the nighttime and early morning cough may worsen a little but those yucky secretions will clear and all will be well within a few days.

Yes, a common cold will last seven to ten days, three days of low-grade fever is normal, and green does not necessarily need to be treated with an antibiotic. If this is not bad enough, the average child gets sick five to eight times a year. So when should you worry?

If your child is having trouble breathing, a pediatrician should immediately see him or her. Also, your pediatrician should see any baby younger than two months of age immediately. Other reasons to visit a doctor include an earache, high fever (over 102 degrees), fever for more than three days, yellow/green runny nose for more than four days, or cold symptoms that last more than ten days. Finally, if you are still worried about your child, call the doctor. Best to be told that only tender loving care is necessary than to risk a sleepless night worrying about your child.

Copyright 2012 Dr. Carey’s® Baby Care

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