When I reach the doctor for my child?
Your child’s doctor can not identify the specific virus causing cold symptoms, but examine your throat and ears and can even tell a throat (culture) to ensure that symptoms are not due to a medical condition that may require specific treatment. (If after about 3 days, your child’s symptoms get worse instead of better, you may be suffering from strep throat, sinusitis, pneumonia or bronchitis, especially if your child or teen smokes).
Taking a throat culture is a simple and painless procedure, which involves brushing the inside of the throat with a long cotton swab. The analysis of the germs that stick to the swab will help the doctor determine if your child has strep throat and needs treatment with antibiotics.
If your child’s symptoms last more than a week or come every year for the same period, or every time it is exposed to pollen, dust, animals or other substances, it is possible that your child suffers from allergies. If your child has trouble breathing or wheezing occurs when a cold, could have asthma.
You should also consult your doctor if you think your child may be suffering from something more than a cold, or if your condition gets worse instead of better.
The following are other reasons to communicate with the doctor:
* phlegm coughing up a lot;
* shortness of breath;
* unusual lethargy / tiredness;
* inability to keep food or liquids down or poor fluid intake
* it hurts with increasing intensity the head, face or throat;
* it hurts or throat swells so much that you can not swallow;
* fever of 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39.3 degrees Celsius) or higher, or a fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38.0 Celsius) or higher for more than a day
* pain in your chest or stomach;
* will swell the glands in the neck;
* earache.
As with most viral infections, colds should complete its cycle. Meanwhile, plenty of rest, avoiding vigorous activity and drink plenty of fluids (juice, water or soft drinks without caffeine) help your child feel better.
Surely, going to school or continue with normal activities do not worsen your child’s cold. But it will increase the likelihood of spread to classmates or friends. It is appropriate for your child will leave some of the daily activities until you feel better.
