Medical science has not yet found a cure for the common cold, which is an upper respiratory infection that can be caused by hundreds of different viruses. While millions of dollars are spent on over-the-counter cough and cold medications each year, these medications have not shown to be effective in children and have many serious side-effects, including fatal over-dose. Although many are labeled for use by children, they are not recommended for children under six years of age, and probably not helpful for children under 12.
As a parent, what can you do to help your child or teen feel better when they are sick with a cold?
Keep them hydrated
Staying hydrated will keep their mucus (snot) and secretions thin, and helps soothe irritated breathing passages. Offer frequent sips of age-appropriate fluids. In young infants, small, frequent breast or formula feeding will be best tolerated. Avoid caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea or soda which can actually dehydrate the body.
Try chicken soup
Grandma was right! Warm fluids like chicken soup, apple juice or non-caffeinated tea can help thin secretions, get the mucus flowing and help unclog the nose with steam-action. Make sure the fluids are age appropriate.
Rinse the nose with saltwater
Use a saline (saltwater) rinse to irrigate the nose. This will help rinse the nose of thick mucus and helps relieve stuffiness. Saline nose drops can be purchased in most pharmacies. They can also be made at home by dissolving 1/4 teaspoon salt to 8 ounces (1 cup) of warm (not hot) water. Store the solution in a clean container with a cover for up to seven days. In infants, place one to two drops in each nostril and gently suction the nose with a clean bulb syringe. This is best done BEFORE a feeding. Older children and teens can use saline nasal sprays.
Cool mist, anyone?
Using a cool mist humidifier can help add moisture to the air and helps loosen nasal secretions; however, there is little research supporting its use. If you choose to use a cool mist humidifier, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions to avoid mold growth and infections. Warm-mist humidifiers have been associated with burns and have not been shown as effective, so their use is not recommended.
Try some honey (for children 12 months and older)
A teaspoon of honey taken orally can help with a cough, and is only safe to use in children older than 12 months of age. This dosage may be taken as needed.
Should I treat a fever?
Fever, or a body temperature greater than 100.4 degrees F, is common during the first few days of having a cold and can actually help the body fight off infection.
Fever can cause discomfort and increases the need for fluids to avoid dehydration. Acetaminophen (for children older than three months) and ibuprofen (for children older than six months) are recommended if your child seems uncomfortable when he or she has a fever.
What about herbal remedies and vitamins?
In multiple studies, neither Echinacea, Vitamin C, nor Zinc has been shown to help improve cold symptoms. There is some evidence that Zinc may shorten the duration of cold symptoms by only one day, but its use in children is limited by side-effects of nausea and bad taste.
When should I see my pediatrician or family doctor?
Parents should immediately call their healthcare provider if their child exhibits any of the following behaviors:
●Refusing to drink anything for a prolonged period
●Behavior changes, including irritability or lethargy (decreased responsiveness); this usually requires immediate medical attention
●Difficulty breathing, working hard to breathe, or breathing rapidly; this usually requires immediate medical attention
Additionally, parents should call their healthcare provider if the following symptoms develop, or if there are general concerns about their child:
●Fever greater than 101degrees F (38.4 degrees C) lasts more than three days
●Nasal congestion does not improve or worsens over the course of 14 days
●The eyes become red or develop yellow discharge
●There are signs or symptoms of an ear infection (pain, ear pulling, and fussiness)
Denis M. Diaz, MD, board-certified pediatrician and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, relocated to Lake County in June 2014. As a pediatrician, Dr. Diaz focuses on the medical and psychological needs of the youngest residents of Lake County. Beyond pediatric and preventive care to patients, from newborn to 21 years old, he has an interest in special cases and syndromes unique to children.
Dr. Diaz joins us from Duke Children’s Primary Care, a division of Duke University School of Medicine and Duke Regional Hospital, where he served as Chair of the Department of Pediatrics. He earned his medical degree from University of South Florida College of Medicine in Tampa and completed residency training at Portsmouth Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth, VA. Dr. Diaz served as an attending physician and department head of Pediatrics at the Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune from 2005 to 2009, during which he also received honors and awards, such as Outstanding Young Pediatrician and Specialty Teacher of the Year.
Q&A with Dr. Diaz
What is your favorite thing about Lake County?
The natural beauty of the environment. Sunsets over the lakes. The unique character of each little town.
How does your journey into parenthood make you a better person and doctor?
Two and a half years ago, my daughter entered my life as my foster child. But, now I am her forever dad. What impresses me about my daughter is how resilient she is. She has been through a lot in her young life, and seeing her thrive and adjust to new routines just amazes me. My daughter has made me a much more empathetic pediatrician. Medical school and residency can only teach you so much. Until you’ve been up all night with your own sick child, you will never fully understand the worry and fear that comes with caring for an ill child.
What is one thing you want your patients and parents to know about you?
I truly believe in the importance of positive role modeling. Children learn what they live.
What is your favorite hobby?
I love to cook!
Why did you become a pediatrician?
A simple desire to comfort the most innocent.
For more information about Dr. Denis Diaz and making an appointment, visit LakeCountyPediatrics.com or call 352-343-3330.
