Symptoms of a cold in children

Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
Updated on November 20, 2024
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The symptoms of a minor cold most commonly involve fever in children, accompanied by a runny nose, nasal congestion, and coughing. Some may also experience shortness of breath, wheezing, and even symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. The symptoms can vary for each child. Some babies with a cold may only show symptoms like a runny nose, mild cough, and nasal congestion. Others might present with recurrent high fever, lethargy, and even vomiting and diarrhea. Therefore, it is important to adopt appropriate treatment measures tailored to each specific cause of the illness.

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How long will a cold with a runny nose last?

The symptoms of a cold with a runny nose generally recover within seven to ten days. A runny nose during a cold is usually caused by a viral infection. For viral colds, the condition of the patient is generally self-limiting. The natural course of the illness is usually seven to ten days, so the symptoms of a runny nose usually recover within this timeframe. However, for patients with a cold, there is often also a symptom of coughing. Although in most cases, the cough also eases within seven to ten days, some patients with colds may experience persistent coughing symptoms that can even last for one to two months. This condition is referred to as post-cold cough or post-infectious cough.

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How to relieve nasal congestion in children with a cold

Nasal congestion is a common symptom of a cold in children. When the congestion is severe, it can affect the child's daily life, making breathing uncomfortable and causing the child to become irritable. Therefore, it is important to address it promptly. First, ensure the child drinks plenty of water and you can apply a warm towel to the base of the nose. If there is a lot of nasal discharge, it should be cleaned out timely. You can use physiological saline to rinse the nasal cavity, thereby keeping the nasal passages clear. You can also give the child some cold medicine for children, which can completely relieve the nasal congestion. These are some specific methods on how to deal with nasal congestion during a child's cold, which you can try.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
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What should I do if I have a cold?

When you catch a cold, first measure your body temperature, pay attention to rest and hygiene, avoid eating spicy and overly greasy food, avoid staying up late, avoid getting chilled, ensure sufficient and good sleep, and drink more ginger brown sugar water, which can warm the body, promote sweating and urination, and enhance metabolism. If there are symptoms of fever, you can also use antipyretic analgesic medications primarily for antiviral treatment based on the cause, as well as symptomatic treatment. You may choose to take Qingkailing granules or Banlangen granules for antiviral treatment.

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Can you eat chicken soup if you have a cold and cough?

Cold is a common symptom, and after a cold-induced cough, we should pay more attention to rest. Maintain a positive mindset and regular diet. If the cold and cough are not very severe, we can eat some seasonal vegetables and fruits to enhance the body's resistance. As for chicken soup, it is very beneficial for health and a great tonic, but we should not drink too much chicken soup, as some people may get nosebleeds due to excessive heat. Also, do not consume too much nutrition; it is better to eat some light food and avoid overly greasy food.

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Can I eat beef when I have a cold?

If you have a cold and are in the initial stage of the illness, it is best not to eat beef. However, during the recovery phase, it is appropriate to consume some beef. As beef is a warming and nourishing food rich in protein, trace elements, and other nutrients, it can fulfill the body's various nutritional needs. Eating beef can enhance one’s resistance and aid in quicker recovery from the illness. It is also recommended to eat beef in moderation and not consume too much at once, as excessive intake can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort and potentially burden the digestive system, causing symptoms of indigestion. It is advisable to drink appropriate amounts of water to boost metabolism and improve resistance. Additionally, during a cold, it is important to rest adequately, avoid overexertion, and maintain a light diet.