Children catch around 6 to 8 colds a year, and more if they attend school or daycare. The change of weather in October and the start of winter often brings more coughs, blocked noses and wheezing. Most of these settle on their own, but some need a doctor’s attention. This guide helps you know what you can do at home and when to seek help.
Common cold
A cold is caused by viruses. Symptoms include a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, mild sore throat, cough and sometimes a low fever. It usually lasts 7 to 10 days, and the cough can linger a little longer. Antibiotics do not help colds.
Home care for cough and cold
- Plenty of fluids: water, soups, warm milk, and breast milk or feeds for babies
- Saline nose drops or spray to clear a blocked nose, especially before feeds and sleep
- Keep the head slightly raised for older children while sleeping, and never place pillows in an infant’s cot
- Warm fluids may soothe the throat
- Honey (half to one teaspoon) can soothe cough in children above 1 year. Never give honey to babies under 1 year
- Steam inhalation is not recommended for young children because of the risk of burns
- Rest and light food
- Keep the child away from smoke, dust, incense and strong smells
What to avoid
- Over-the-counter cough and cold syrups in young children, especially under 4 to 6 years, unless prescribed
- Antibiotics without a doctor’s advice
- Smoking near children, which worsens cough and wheezing
- Home remedies that involve putting oils, herbs or drops in the nose or mouth of a baby
Understanding wheezing
Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound while breathing out. It happens when the small airways in the lungs become narrow. Common causes include viral infections like bronchiolitis in babies, asthma in older children, allergies and sometimes a foreign object in the airway. A wheezing child needs to be seen by a doctor, because breathing can worsen quickly.
Signs of asthma or allergy
- Repeated cough or wheeze, particularly at night or early morning
- Cough after running, playing or laughing
- Symptoms triggered by dust, cold air, smoke, pollen or certain foods
- Family history of asthma, eczema or allergies
- Frequent colds that go to the chest
When to see a doctor
Please take your child to the pediatrician if:
- Cough lasts more than 2 weeks, or is getting worse
- Fever lasts more than 3 days
- There is wheezing or noisy breathing
- The child has a barking cough or noisy breathing when breathing in
- The cough comes in long spells followed by vomiting or a whooping sound
- Ear pain, ear discharge or severe sore throat
- The baby is under 3 months with any cough, cold or fever
- Poor feeding or less urine than usual
Go to the emergency department immediately if
- The child is breathing fast or struggling to breathe, with the chest or belly pulling in
- Lips or face look bluish or pale
- The child cannot speak, feed or drink because of breathlessness
- The child is very drowsy or difficult to wake
- Wheezing does not improve after the inhaler the doctor prescribed
- A child suddenly starts coughing or choking while eating or playing with small objects
Preventing cough and cold
- Wash hands often and teach children to cover coughs and sneezes
- Keep sick children home from school until they recover
- Keep vaccinations up to date, including yearly flu vaccine
- Avoid smoke, dust and strong fumes
- Breastfeed babies as long as possible, and provide a balanced diet
- Dress children in layers during cold mornings and nights
Dr. Prathyusha, Pediatrician, Kukatpally
If your child has frequent coughs, noisy breathing or night-time symptoms, an evaluation can help find the cause and prevent repeated illness. Dr. Prathyusha helps parents manage common childhood respiratory problems with clear guidance on medicines, inhalers and home care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cough syrups work for children?
Most over-the-counter cough syrups have not been shown to help young children and can have side effects. Ask your pediatrician before giving any.
Is wheezing always asthma?
No. Babies may wheeze with viral infections. Repeated wheezing episodes need evaluation to see if it is asthma.
Are inhalers safe for children?
Yes. Inhalers deliver medicine directly to the lungs with small doses, and are widely used in children when prescribed with a spacer or mask.
Can cold weather cause a cold?
Cold weather itself does not cause a cold, but viruses spread more easily indoors in the season, and cold air can trigger wheezing in sensitive children.
Child coughing or wheezing? Consult Dr. Prathyusha, Pediatrician, Kukatpally.