Treatment

Not much can be done to affect how long a cold lasts. However, we can relieve many of the symptoms. Keep in mind that the treatment for a runny nose is quite different from the treatment for a stuffy nose.

Runny nose: If your child has a lot of clear discharge from the nose, it may not be a good idea to blow his nose. Sniffing and swallowing the mucus is probably better than blowing. Blowing the nose can make the infection go into the ears or sinuses. For babies, use a soft rubber suction bulb to take out the mucus.

Stuffy nose: Most stuffy noses are blocked by dry mucus. Try nosedrops of warm tap water or saline. They are better than any medicine you can buy.

Aches and fever: Give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) for fever over 102°F (39°C). Do not give aspirin.

Cough or sore throat: Use cough drops for children over 4 years old. Use 1/2 teaspoon corn syrup as needed for children over 1 year old. Use a humidifier to make the air in the room less dry.

Remember to clear the nose of a young infant while breast feeding or bottle feeding. A child can’t breathe through the mouth and suck on something at the same time. It is also important to clear your infant’s nose before you put him down to sleep.

Duration of Colds
Treatment
Prevention