Colds

Common Illnesses

Coughs

Colds

Flu

RSV

Ear Infections
(Otitus Media)

Fevers

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Cavities

Stomach Aches

Sore Throats

Contagious Diseases
Lifelong Health Issues
Unavoidable Conditions
Why Kids Get Sick So Often
When To Call The Doctor
When To Send Your Child to Daycare
Safe Use of Antibiotics

Colds

Colds are caused by viral infections. Sitting in drafts, having wet feet, or going without a sweater cannot cause a cold. Because the cause is a virus, antibiotics are not required nor do they provide relief.

Babies are bothered by colds because it is impossible to suck if the nose is stuffed and prevents breathing.

Older children are seldom ill, merely uncomfortable. Help your child by teaching effective nose blowing -- by closing one nostril with a finger while blowing the other. A cool mist humidifier may also provide relief; however, the machine must be cleaned regularly or it may spew allergens into the air. The best way to clear a stuffy nose is with a saline (salt water) nasal solution that can be sprayed into the nose. Saline solutions may be purchased at the pharmacy or drug store or you can mix a quarter teaspoon of salt with one cup of water and have your child take a deep whiff every two hours as needed.

In some cases, colds get worse before they get better. Complications occasionally may lead to a secondary infection such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or an ear-infection. Suspect a secondary infection if a child runs a fever after the first day, has a thick, greenish-yellow nasal discharge, a thick or wheezy cough, continued sore throat, ear ache, or seems ill, lethargic, and lacking in appetite. If the cold begins to look "unusual", see your doctor for a diagnosis.

COMMON CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES & INFECTIONS | YOUR CHILD'S DEVELOPMENT
PARENTING CHALLENGES | RESOURCES AND INFORMATION | ABOUT THIS PROGRAM
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Missed A Program?
Healthworks on Videotape

If you missed seeing Healthworks on Prairie Public Television, you still have a chance to keep up to date with these important health issues. Order a videotape copy of any of these interesting and informative programs for only $24.95 per program. Order online or call 1-800-359-6900 to order your copies today.

© 2001 Prairie Public Broadcasting, Inc.

Common Illnesses Coughs Colds Flu RSV Ear Infections (Otitus Media) Fevers Vomiting Diarrhea Cavities Stomach Aches Sore Throats Contagious Diseases Lifelong Health Issues Unavoidable Conditions Why Kids Get Sick So Often When To Call The Doctor When To Send Your Child to Daycare Safe Use of Antibiotics		Colds Colds are caused by viral infections. Sitting in drafts, having wet feet, or going without a sweater cannot cause a cold. Because the cause is a virus, antibiotics are not required nor do they provide relief. Babies are bothered by colds because it is impossible to suck if the nose is stuffed and prevents breathing. Older children are seldom ill, merely uncomfortable. Help your child by teaching effective nose blowing -- by closing one nostril with a finger while blowing the other. A cool mist humidifier may also provide relief; however, the machine must be cleaned regularly or it may spew allergens into the air. The best way to clear a stuffy nose is with a saline (salt water) nasal solution that can be sprayed into the nose. Saline solutions may be purchased at the pharmacy or drug store or you can mix a quarter teaspoon of salt with one cup of water and have your child take a deep whiff every two hours as needed. In some cases, colds get worse before they get better. Complications occasionally may lead to a secondary infection such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or an ear-infection. Suspect a secondary infection if a child runs a fever after the first day, has a thick, greenish-yellow nasal discharge, a thick or wheezy cough, continued sore throat, ear ache, or seems ill, lethargic, and lacking in appetite. If the cold begins to look "unusual", see your doctor for a diagnosis.
		COMMON CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES & INFECTIONS \| YOUR CHILD'S DEVELOPMENT PARENTING CHALLENGES \| RESOURCES AND INFORMATION \| ABOUT THIS PROGRAM BACK TO PRAIRIE PUBLIC TELEVISION \| RETURN TO PRAIRIEPUBLIC.ORG HOME PAGE
		Missed A Program? Healthworks on Videotape If you missed seeing Healthworks on Prairie Public Television, you still have a chance to keep up to date with these important health issues. Order a videotape copy of any of these interesting and informative programs for only $24.95 per program. Order online or call 1-800-359-6900 to order your copies today.
		© 2001 Prairie Public Broadcasting, Inc.