The common cold does not have a cure, but multiple methods can reduce the discomfort that the symptoms of the cold can create. KidsHealth.org points out that children can get as many as eight colds per year, and they're often caused by rhinoviruses. Kids may be mildly to moderately uncomfortable with a cold, but the symptoms are generally harmless.
First Symptoms
A child may experience an itch in the throat, a runny or stuffy nose and sneezing, according to KidsHealth.org. These early symptoms may not appear to bother a busy child until they get worse.
Progressive Symptoms
Within a few days of the initial symptoms, a child may develop a sore throat, cough, headache, mild fever, fatigue, muscle aches and a loss of appetite, KidsHealth.org reports. Depending on the age of the child, some of the symptoms may not be reported to a caregiver. Parents can watch for nasal discharge that changes from clear to yellow or green. The change in mucus can indicate that the cold has worsened.
Complications
Some children may experience significant headache or sinus pressure as congestion builds. The drainage of fluid from the sinuses can lead to other illnesses. The Mayo Clinic points out that some children may develop an ear infection when the fluid builds behind the eardrum. Other complications include wheezing and/or asthma attack. A cold that lasts longer than a week or 10 days may indicate sinusitis, the inflammation and infection of the sinuses, according to the Mayo Clinic. A secondary infection, such as strep throat, pneumonia, bronchitis or croup, may develop over time and require medical treatment.
