Coryza, a medical term for the common cold, is a common viral infection of the upper respiratory tract in children. Young children, especially those in daycare, can have as many as 6 to 10 colds a year. While it’s a very common illness, it’s important for parents to know the causes, how to manage the symptoms, and what steps to take to prevent it.
Causes
Coryza is caused by a variety of viruses, with rhinoviruses being the most common culprits. These viruses are highly contagious and spread in the following ways:
- Airborne droplets: When a sick person coughs or sneezes, the virus can travel through the air and be inhaled by others.
- Direct contact: The virus can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected person.
- Contaminated surfaces: Cold viruses can live on surfaces like toys and doorknobs for several hours. A child can pick up the virus by touching a contaminated object and then touching their eyes, nose, or mouth.
Children are more susceptible to colds than adults because their immune systems are still developing. Their tendency to touch their eyes, nose, and mouth frequently, and to be in close contact with other children in places like daycare or school, makes them more prone to infection.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a common cold typically appear 1-3 days after exposure to the virus and can include:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Headache
- Mild fever
- Muscle aches
- Loss of appetite
The nasal discharge may start out watery and clear and then become thicker and change to a yellow or green color. This change in color is a normal part of the cold and doesn’t necessarily mean there is a bacterial infection.
Treatment
There is no cure for the common cold, as it is a viral infection that must run its course. The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms and make the child more comfortable until they recover, which usually happens within a week to 10 days. Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections and should not be used to treat a cold.
Treatment options focus on supportive care and symptom management:
- Rest: Ensure your child gets plenty of rest to help their body fight the infection.
- Fluids: Give your child plenty of fluids, such as water, juice, or warm soup, to prevent dehydration.
- Saline nasal spray/drops: These can help to clear a stuffy nose and are safe for children.
- Humidifier: Using a cool-mist humidifier in the child’s room can help to ease nasal congestion.
- Pain and fever relief: Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be given to ease fever, headaches, and muscle aches. Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition.
- Honey: For children over 12 months old, a small amount of honey can help soothe a cough and sore throat.
Prevention
While it is impossible to prevent every cold, there are several measures you can take to reduce the risk of your child getting sick and spreading the virus:
- Handwashing: The most important way to prevent the spread of colds is frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and water. Teach your children to wash their hands often, especially after sneezing, coughing, or being in public places.
- Avoid touching the face: Remind children to avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Hygiene: Teach your child to cough or sneeze into a tissue or their elbow, not into their hands. Dispose of used tissues immediately.
- Clean surfaces: Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that are frequently touched, such as toys, doorknobs, and countertops.
- Avoid contact with sick people: Keep your child away from anyone who is sick with a cold, if possible.
- Healthy habits: Ensure your child has a balanced diet and gets enough sleep to help maintain a strong immune system.
It’s important to consult a healthcare provider if your child’s symptoms worsen, do not improve after a week, or if you are concerned about their breathing or other severe symptoms.
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