And that's for just one child in the family. So it's helpful to know how to treat symptoms and when to consult a doctor who can diagnose a more dangerous illness. Because colds are viral infections, they aren't curable. There are no consequences of not treating a cold. In addition to using medicines that doctors recommend, parents can lessen their child's discomfort by putting a cool-mist vaporizer in the bedroom.
Older children can find relief from a sore throat by gargling with salt water.
A child under 2 months who has congestion and a rectal temperature greater than 100.5 degrees should see a doctor because these symptoms may indicate a serious infection. 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.