This time of year almost everyone gets the “common” cold. Symptoms can include:
•    Fever.
•    Cough.
•    Runny nose.
•    Poor sleep.
•    Decreased appetite.
•    Crabbiness.

Treating cold symptoms
Colds are caused by viruses. There are no medicines that kill viruses like antibiotics kill bacteria, so the best plan is to treat the symptoms. To treat symptoms of the common cold, try these suggestions:
•    Tylenol® and ibuprofen work as fever reducers. If your child has persistent fevers above 101 degrees, alternating doses of Tylenol and ibuprofen every four hours will help keep the fever down and make your child more comfortable.
•    For coughing and runny noses, use saline nasal drops and nasal suctioning for younger kids. For older kids use saline nasal spray and nose blowing. The saline loosens the mucus and makes suctioning and nose blowing more effective. For younger kids, suction one nostril at a time, first filling it with saline drops and waiting 15 to 20 seconds before using the bulb to suction the mucus. Repeat this process multiple times throughout the day. You are probably thinking, “There is no way my child will let me do this.” But if you are persistent, it will work, and your child will feel better.
•    At night, elevating the head of the bed will alleviate some of the post-nasal drip that contributes to nighttime coughing. Use an extra pillow for older kids and a phone book under the head of the mattress, elevating it to a 30 to 45 degree angle for younger kids. Running a cool-mist vaporizer at night will help, too. Most colds last for 10 to 14 days.

As always, call your doctor if you have concerns. For more information about treating the common cold, visit the Children's Hospital Web site at chw.org.

David Melbye, MD, FAAP, is a pediatrician at Children’s Medical Group-Bayshore Pediatrics.

FAST FACT: Children’s Medical Group physicians provide primary and behavioral care for children in 18 clinics throughout southeastern Wisconsin. In addition, CMG oversees school-based health centers located in central city Milwaukee Public Schools. Find a local pediatrician at www.childrensmedicalgroup.org