Common Cold

Northlake Children's Associates, P.A. Our Services Common Cold

Northlake Children's Associates, P.A.

Pediatric Care & Pediatricians located in Mooresville, NC

It’s estimated that your child can get as many as 10 colds a year. In addition to missed school days, a cold can make your child feel miserable. At Northlake Children’s Associates, PA, in Mooresville, North Carolina, Mary-Margaret James, MD, and Majé Goodwin, MD, provide treatment recommendations that may help relieve your child’s symptoms so they feel more like their usual self. For an appointment, call the office today or book online.

Common Cold Q & A


What is a cold?

You should bring your child in to see the pediatricians at Northlake Children’s Associates if your child’s cold symptoms are worsening, fever develops, or the symptoms last longer than 10 days. You should also bring your child into the office if the symptoms are severe or if your child is younger than three months.

A cold usually presents with a sore throat and runny nose. As the infection progresses, your child may begin to:

  • Cough and sneeze
  • Feel congested
  • Experience body aches and headaches
  • Develop a low-grade fever

 

You should also be aware that cold and flu symptoms are very similar, but with the flu, the symptoms come on very quickly and cause body and muscle aches, and a high fever. If no other infections complicate the flu or a cold, then both will resolve on their own.

When should I bring my child to the pediatrician for a cold?

You should bring your child in to see the pediatricians at Northlake Children’s Associates if your child’s cold symptoms last longer than 10 days. You should also bring your child into the office if the symptoms are severe or if your child is younger than three months.

Other symptoms that warrant a visit with the doctors at Northlake Children’s Associates for a cold include:

  • Earache
  • Unusual drowsiness
  • No appetite
  • Wheezing
  • Symptoms worsening instead of improving


You should also call the office for an appointment if you have any suspicions that your child’s cold may be the flu. Cold and flu symptoms are very similar, but with the flu, the symptoms come on very quickly and cause body and muscle aches, and a high fever.


What types of treatments are there for a cold?

There’s no cure for a cold, but the pediatricians at Northlake Children’s Associates can provide recommendations for treatments to help relieve your child’s cold symptoms. Treatment for your child’s cold may include:

  • Over-the-counter pain reliever
  • Decongestant
  • Cough syrups


Children younger than 4 shouldn’t use an over-the-counter cough syrup and children younger than 6 shouldn’t use a decongestant. The specialists at Northlake Children’s Associates can provide recommendations for the most appropriate treatment based on your child’s age and health history.

For management of your child’s cold, call Northlake Children’s Associates today or book an appointment online.

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