(801) 442-2000
36 S. State Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84111Map

KidsCare Online

Colds

Viral infection of the nose and throat.

Symptoms

Runny or congested (stuffy) nose
Usually associated with fever. A sore throat often is the first symptom.
Sometimes associated with a cough, hoarseness, red eyes, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck

Cause

Colds are caused by viruses. Healthy children average 6 colds a year. Influenza usually is no more than a bad cold with more fever and muscle aches.

Colds: Normal Viral Symptoms

Colds cause nasal discharge, nasal congestion, sinus congestion, ear congestion, sore throats, harseness, coughs, croup and red, watery eyes. When you combine all these symptoms, colds are the most common reason for calls to the doctor.
Cold symptoms are also the number one reason for office and ED visits. Hopefully, this information will save you time and money and help you avoid some unnecessary trips to the doctor. you can be reassured the following are normal cold symptoms and children with these symptoms don't need to be seen.

Colds: Symptoms of a Developing Secondary Bacterial Infection

Using this guideline, you can identify the 5% to 10 % of children who might haveear infections or sinus infection beyond the common cold symptoms. Many are identified with specific symptoms and patterns. Some are suspected because symptoms last too long:

If runny nose caused by allergies, see HAY FEVER
If cough is the main symptom, see COUGH
If over age 5, and pain around the eye or over the cheekbone, see SINUS PAIN & CONGESTION