From the Guidelines
Common cold symptoms in a 1-year-4-month-old child typically include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, mild cough, slight fever (usually below 102°F or 38.9°C), decreased appetite, irritability, and sometimes difficulty sleeping. These symptoms usually develop gradually over 1-3 days and last about 7-10 days, with the first few days being the most severe 1. Since common colds are caused by viruses, antibiotics won't help, as emphasized in a study published in Pediatrics in 2013 1. The focus should be on supportive care, including:
- Plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
- Using a cool-mist humidifier in the child's room
- Saline nose drops followed by gentle suctioning with a bulb syringe
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for fever or discomfort, following package instructions for proper dosing based on weight 1 It's crucial to note that aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years of age, as stated in the guidelines from the British Infection Society, British Thoracic Society, and Health Protection Agency 1. Never give cold medicines to children this age. Contact a doctor if your child has:
- A fever above 102°F
- Symptoms lasting more than 10 days
- Severe symptoms
- Difficulty breathing
- Extreme irritability
- Refusal to drink fluids, as these could indicate a more serious condition 1.
From the Research
Symptoms of Common Cold in Children
The common cold is a highly prevalent illness in children, characterized by various symptoms. According to 2, patients typically present with:
- Nasal congestion
- Rhinorrhea
- Sore throat
- Cough
- General malaise
- Low-grade fever
Symptoms in Children 1 Year 4 Months Old
For a child of 1 year 4 months, the symptoms of the common cold may include:
- Rhinorrhea
- Nasal obstruction
- Sneezing
- Throat clearing
- Postnasal drip
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Tearing as mentioned in 3.
Treatment and Management
It is essential to note that over-the-counter cold medications should not be used in children younger than four years, as stated in 2. Instead, treatments with proven effectiveness for cold symptoms in children include:
- Acetylcysteine
- Honey (for children one year and older)
- Nasal saline irrigation
- Intranasal ipratropium
- Topical application of ointment containing camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus oils as mentioned in 2.
Prevention
Counseling patients about the importance of good hand hygiene is the best way to prevent transmission of cold viruses, as stated in 2.