This is a relatively broad topic. Generally, most colds and other viral infections start the same. It may remain a mild infection which subsides within a week or two, or it may worsen to a more serious infection. Mostly, coughs and colds are caused by viral infections.
Symptoms of a routine cold
- Duration between a couple of days and 3 weeks
- Green or yellow mucous, may be thick
- Runny or stuffy nose, with or without sneezing
- Up to 5 days of fever
- Chest congestion and a cough, of which may trigger gagging and vomiting
- Cough which is worse at night
- Mild ear pain
- Headache and sinus pressure
- Sore and scratchy throat
- Fussiness, poor sleeping routine and loss of appetite
When to see your paediatrician
- Should you as a parent at any time be concerned, rather make an appointment. It is better to be safe than sorry.
- If your child’s cough sounds like a “barking” cough.
- Raspy voice while talking, breathing, or crying.
- Shortness of breath, fast breathing, chest pain, severe coughing, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite.
- Swelling of pain in your child’s face (sinusitis).
