The common cold is a type of infection that affects the upper respiratory tract and is caused by a variety of distinct viruses. Health officials with The Mayo Clinic report that infants experience cold symptoms approximately 8 to 10 times before turning 2 years old. Infants who develop cold symptoms should receive further evaluation and care from a pediatrician to prevent medical complications, such as pneumonia.
Nasal Congestion
Infants who develop a cold can experience nasal congestion as a symptom of infection, explain medical professionals with Children's Hospital Boston. A parent or caregiver may notice that nasal secretions accumulate within an infant's nose, which can make it difficult for her to breathe normally. Nasal mucus may run from an infant's nose and can dry or crust along the outside of her nostrils. Though an infant's nasal secretions can initially appear clear or translucent, they may thicken or become yellow or green in color as the viral infection progresses, warns The Mayo Clinic. A parent or caregiver can help clear nasal congestion from an infant's nose with a facial tissue or warm washcloth, which can help alleviate nasal discomfort. These cold symptoms in infants should be discussed with a medical professional as soon as possible.
Fever
A fever can arise as a cold symptom in some infants. When viral pathogens enter an infant's body, his immune system attempts to stop the spread of infection by raising the body temperature. Affected infants can develop a fever above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, according to UpToDate, a peer-reviewed health information website for patients. Infants who develop fever symptoms due to a cold can also experience sweating, chills or fatigue. Fever symptoms in infants should be reported to a doctor immediately as this cold symptom can also be a sign of alternate medical problems.
Coughing or Sneezing
A viral infection of the upper respiratory tract can cause affected infants to experience episodes of coughing. Cough symptoms can be dry or hacking and may persist for several days. Certain infants may also begin to sneeze as a symptom of a cold. When an infant sneezes, nasal mucus may be expelled from the congested nasal passageways. A parent or caregiver who notices the development of these cold symptoms within an infant should talk with a physician for further guidance.
Decreased Appetite
An infant with a cold may exhibit a decreased appetite as a symptom of infection. Certain infants can experience vomiting or diarrhea as symptoms of a cold, reports Children's Hospital Boston. These stomach upset symptoms can be uncomfortable and may cause an infant to become uninterested in breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. Infants who refuse to eat should be evaluated by a physician as soon as possible.
Difficulty Sleeping or Irritability
Discomfort caused by nasal congestion or stomach upset can lead to irritability in infants. An infant with a cold may be more fussy or cranky than usual and can be difficult to console. Infants with this infection may also experience difficulty sleeping, explains MayoClinic.com. Inadequate sleep can exacerbate irritability symptoms in affected infants. If these cold symptoms in infants persist or become worse, affected infants should receive additional care from a doctor.
