Cold, common cold, or upper respiratory tract infection

The common cold, or a cold, consists of a set of symptoms (nasal congestion, cough, sneezing, sore throat, headache, and/or malaise) caused by different viruses. Children under 6 years old experience an average of six to eight episodes per year, with symptoms lasting around 14 days. This means that a child can have intermittent cold symptoms for almost half of the winter.

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Transmission

Colds are most contagious during the first two to four days of infection. The virus spreads through tiny droplets that are released when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or blows their nose. These tiny particles can also settle on hands, toys, or doorknobs.

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms typically begin one to two days after exposure. In children, nasal congestion and cough are the most common symptoms. Fever (temperature above 38°C) is also common and resolves within 72 hours. Other symptoms may include sore throat, irritability, difficulty sleeping, and decreased appetite.

Possible Complications

Most colds resolve on their own without treatment. However, a small percentage of cases can develop complications such as ear infections, sinusitis, bronchitis, bronchiolitis, or pneumonia.

Treatment

Treatment focuses on symptom management. There are no medications that cure a cold.

Nasal saline washes before feeds or meals and before sleep.
Elevating the head of the bed by 30°.
Promoting increased fluid intake.
In case of fever, discomfort, or irritability, analgesics or antipyretics can be administered: Paracetamol for children over 3 months old or Ibuprofen for children over 6 months old.
Avoiding a dry environment. Humidified air can improve nasal congestion and cough, but it is not recommended to keep a humidifier on all night as it can promote the growth of mold and bacteria.
Antihistamines, decongestants, cough suppressants, and mucolytics are generally not recommended for babies and children due to the lack of proven efficacy and the risk of side effects. However, they may be prescribed if cough or nasal congestion impairs nighttime rest despite the measures mentioned above.
Antibiotics are not effective in treating colds. They may be necessary if the cold is complicated by a bacterial infection, such as an ear infection, pneumonia, or sinusitis. Inappropriate use of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, rendering them ineffective when truly needed.
To prevent transmission, maintaining good hand hygiene is recommended.

When to Call the Pediatrician

It is recommended to consult a pediatrician if the child experiences any of the following symptoms:

Difficulty breathing despite nasal washes.
Fever persists for more than 72 hours.
Signs or symptoms of an ear infection (irritability when touching an ear, sudden crying while sleeping, pain when pressing the ear canal entrance).
Behavioral changes, including irritability or lethargy (decreased responsiveness) that do not improve with analgesics or antipyretics.
Symptoms worsen or do not improve after 7 to 10 days.