Children can develop acute pneumonia in a day, explained Dr. Bacon. For children over 2 months, parents should be concerned if the temperature is over 102 degrees and the child has to work hard at breathing. An infant's chest will sink in, younger children will have retractions in the stomach, and teens may complain of chest pain. This is subjective. But if you think your child looks 'more ill' than with a normal cold, that's a reason to see your doctor.
Colds can also produce sinus or ear infections.
Normal bacteria in the body can get out of balance, causing infection in the inner ear. Both are treatable with antibiotics. Although colds can't be prevented, certain steps may decrease their frequency. Babies have fewer colds while they're breastfeeding. Children not exposed to tobacco smoke have fewer colds and ear infections.