COLDS

Colds are a type of upper respiratory tract infection. These infections are the most common cause of illness in children (as well as in adults).

• Causes
• Symptoms
• When to see your doctor
• Tests
• Treatment
• Prevention

The average preschool child has at least six colds a year. Sometimes, especially in winter, it might seem that your child is sick for weeks at a time, barely getting over one cold before getting another one.
Young children are particularly prone to colds because they haven’t had a chance to build up immunity to the many viruses that cause colds. As your child grows older, he’ll gradually build up his immunity and get fewer colds.

Causes

Most colds are caused by a virus. In fact, there are over 200 types of virus that can cause the common cold. This is why you can’t be immunised against a cold.
The viruses that cause colds are spread by sneezing, coughing and hand contact.
Colds are more common in the winter months. Cold weather by itself doesn’t increase the chance of getting a cold, but people are in closer contact with each other because they stay indoors. This means they’re more likely to infect each other. Similarly, getting wet or chilled doesn’t cause a cold.

Symptoms

Cold symptoms are pretty much the same in children and adults. You might see one or more of the following:

• a stuffy or runny nose
• sneezing
• sore throat and ears
• cough
• headache
• red eyes
• swelling of lymph glands
• occasionally fever.

Often, your child will lose her appetite, and she might even feel sick or vomit. Your child might be miserable or irritable.
The actual symptoms will vary from child to child, and from illness to illness. Usually the symptoms will last anywhere from a few days to a week or more. Your child will usually recover fully without any problems.
Very occasionally there are complications, such as ear infection, laryngitis, croup, or a lower respiratory tract infection, such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia. These are relatively uncommon illnesses compared to the uncomplicated cold, which is widespread.

Cold symptoms are pretty much the same in children and adults. You might see one or more of the following:

• a stuffy or runny nose
• sneezing
• sore throat and ears
• cough
• headache
• red eyes
• swelling of lymph glands
• occasionally fever.

Often, your child will lose her appetite, and she might even feel sick or vomit. Your child might be miserable or irritable.
The actual symptoms will vary from child to child, and from illness to illness. Usually the symptoms will last anywhere from a few days to a week or more. Your child will usually recover fully without any problems.
Very occasionally there are complications, such as ear infection, laryngitis, croup, or a lower respiratory tract infection, such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia. These are relatively uncommon illnesses compared to the uncomplicated cold, which is widespread.