Colds and Cough-Causes and Treatment

There are several hundred viruses that cause the common cold. The symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, mild cough, and low-grade fever. The common cold is spread through respiratory droplets directly from sneezing and coughing. These viruses can also be spread indirectly by touching an infected surface and then placing your hand close to your face without first washing it. Colds usually go away on their own within a few days. Most babies and toddlers with colds may be less hungry but still manage to drink well and recover fully.

Treating colds and coughs

There is no specific treatment as colds usually go away on their own. The basic approach includes a humidifier (I prefer cold air mists), drinking plenty of fluids, and for younger children, helping wash out the congested nose with a nose pump and saline (salt-water) drops. In most situations, these simple techniques combined with tender loving care (TLC) do the trick.

Cough and cold syrups: Important Information

Over-The-Counter (OTC) cold and cough preparations are not recommended for children under six years of age. Recent studies have shown that giving cough/cold syrups improperly, or in higher-than-recommended doses can actually be quite dangerous. This applies to all OTC medications of which cold and cough preparations are among the most commonly used. In addition, children who accidentally get into the medicine cabinet can easily overdose on these medications. As a sidebar:  please ensure that ALL medications are safely stored and locked out of the reach of young children.

Generally, all brands contain the following ingredients: DM or “Dextromethorphan” a cough suppressant, “D” which represents a decongestant, and “E”, for an expectorant (something that helps bring up chest secretions). These are available in different combinations, and in different forms, ranging from syrup to pill forms:

  •  Preparations referred to as “DM”, only contain a cough suppressant
  • “DM-D” preparations contain both a cough suppressant and decongestant
  • “DM-D-E” contains all three: a cough suppressant, a decongestant, and an expectorant

If you are going to be using these medications in older children, I recommend not using combination preparations. Why? Because it does not make sense to give an expectorant, for example, at the same time as a cough suppressant. Bringing up secretions causes a cough reflex allowing us to clear the secretions out. Giving a cough suppressant at the same time makes no sense. However if an older child (depending on the age of course) requires treatment, a DM (cough) preparation may be helpful; only if he/she is made uncomfortable by the cough -that is, waking up at night or not being able to sleep. If these medicines are necessary please use them carefully. Your doctor or pharmacist can give you more details relating to your particular situation.

Please note that the fever will not respond to these types of medicines. Only fever medications containing acetaminophen (Tylenol,Tempra)  or Ibuprofen(Advil, Motrin) can help bring down a fever. However, fever medication cannot help with cold symptoms such as congestion and cough. Also, in general, cough or cold medications should not be given to persons with asthma or other chronic lung problems. If your child has asthma, talk to your doctor about what to do during a cold.

WATCH DR.PAUL DISCUSS THE COMMON COLD AND WHAT PARENTS CAN DO:

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Pediatrician DR.PAUL Roumeliotis is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. The information provided above is designed to be an educational aid only. It is not intended to replace the advice and care of your child’s physician, nor is it intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. If you suspect that your child has a medical condition always consult a physician.