How to treat a cold in children?

Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
Updated on June 15, 2025
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Child cold, also known as acute upper respiratory tract infection, is a common disease in children, mainly manifested in inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose, nasopharynx, and throat. It can lead to acute manifestations of rhinitis, pharyngitis, and tonsillitis in children. The treatment of a child's cold begins with general measures such as ensuring the child rests, drinks plenty of water, and avoids contact with others who have a cold to prevent complications. Symptomatic treatment is also important. For example, antipyretic analgesics can be used when a child has a high fever. If the high fever is accompanied by febrile convulsions, sedatives may be needed to control the convulsions. If nasal congestion is particularly severe, topical medications can be used to reduce congestion. For severe throat pain, throat sprays may be used. Etiological treatment is also necessary, as most colds are caused by a viral infection, so antiviral medications can be used. If the cold is severe and there is a secondary bacterial infection, antibiotics should be used under the guidance of a hospital doctor. If the child has a viral conjunctivitis along with a cold, antiviral eye drops can be used.

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Do common colds cause vomiting?

In clinical practice, the common cold can cause significantly different symptoms in patients due to various infecting pathogens. For instance, in addition to common symptoms like fever, nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, itchy throat, and pain, patients with a typical viral cold may also experience various degrees of gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Thus, when symptoms related to the gastrointestinal tract are present during a common cold, it is necessary to consider the possibility of a gastroenteric type of cold. Therefore, it is a common occurrence for vomiting to be induced by viral infections during a common cold. Prompt administration of rehydration, antiviral treatment, and symptomatic relief can effectively alleviate the vomiting symptoms caused by the common cold.

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What can a baby eat when they have a cold?

When a baby catches a cold, they typically exhibit symptoms such as fever, cough, and runny nose. Some may also experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other digestive system symptoms. Therefore, during this period, it is important that the diet is light and easy to digest. For instance, if the baby is breastfed, they can continue breastfeeding, but the mother should also maintain a light and easily digestible diet. Continuing with milk is fine, but it should be diluted to aid digestion. Additionally, light meals like porridge, noodles, rice paste, some vegetables, and a moderate amount of fruits as supplements can be given. Spicy, greasy, and stimulating foods should be avoided during this time.

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Can you eat zongzi when you have a cold?

During a cold, it is appropriate to eat some zongzi, but it is recommended not to eat ones that are too sweet. Colds are very common and are considered upper respiratory infections. Generally, most colds are viral infections and this condition typically lasts about a week before it resolves on its own. There are many factors that can trigger a cold, whether it is a viral infection, bacterial infection, or a common virus and some influenza viruses causing upper respiratory infections, patients generally may experience varying degrees of fever. Therefore, it is advised that patients with a cold should avoid eating overly sweet zongzi and preferably eat plain zongzi or those of other flavors. As some patients with a cold may have a fever that could affect normal digestive function, it is advisable to maintain a light diet during a cold, and eating a small amount of zongzi is acceptable.

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Is the sore throat caused by a cold-cold or a cold-heat cold?

Sore throat is generally caused by wind-heat cold, while wind-cold cold is caused by exposure to wind and cold, clinically manifested by mild fever, nasal congestion, runny nose, cough, and no sore throat. Wind-heat cold is caused by exposure to wind-heat, typically presenting with severe fever, chills, dry mouth, sore throat, nasal congestion, cough, and yellow phlegm. However, sore throat can also be caused by cold enclosing heat. During a cold, it is important to pay attention to a light diet and avoid eating overly greasy or spicy food.

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How to solve the problem of nasal congestion due to a cold?

If the symptoms of nasal congestion are not too severe, you can use steaming methods, apply a hot towel, or massage acupoints, such as the temples and the Fengchi acupoint. If the cold symptoms are more severe, then some medications will be necessary. You can use medications for nasal congestion or cold medicines. If the virus invades the nasal cavity, causing congestion and swelling of the mucous membrane, and resulting inflammation, some anti-inflammatory medications can be used. Drink more warm water and eat more fresh vegetables and fruits. You can take some traditional Chinese medicine to treat the cold. If there is also fever and thick nasal discharge, some antiviral medications should be taken for treatment.