Symptoms of the common cold or upper respiratory infection are varied and may include clear, yellow, or green runny nose, sneezing, cough, congestion, muscle aches, fever, and mild headache.  It is caused by several different viruses that do not respond to antibiotics or other medication.  Generally, our body's defenses will fight off the most uncomfortable symptoms in 4-7 days, but the cough and runny nose may persist for 2-3 weeks. 

Sometimes we help our children feel better by using Salt water nose drops, a cool mist humidifier (not ultrasonic), sitting in a steam bathroom, and increasing fluid intake.  Many people use decongestants or over the counter cold medicines.  Some of these may help with your child's symptoms, but in the majority of cases, the cold will "run it's course" no matter what you try.  We advise against using these medications in any child under 2 years of age without checking with us first.

Call us if your child has:

1.  Difficulty in breathing, wheezing, prolonged deep cough or a barking cough which has not responded to the above instructions.

2.  Sore throat, earache, one sided runny nose or facial swelling, marked irritibility, marked drowsiness, unusual behavior, or fever that is not easily controlled.

3.  Fever greater than 101 for more than 3-4 days.

4.  Fever over 104 F.

5.  Thick cloudy green or yellow mucous persisting for 10 or more consecutive days without any improvements.