About this topic
Germs cause this health problem. Your child has a sudden infection in the nose, windpipe, voice box, throat, or lungs. It spreads from a person who is sick to some other person through close contact. This health problem may include: ‚
- Sore throat
- Swelling of the lining of the nose. This is rhinitis.
- Swelling of the sinuses. This is sinusitis.
- Swelling of the nose and the tube linking the nose and mouth with the food tube. This is nasopharyngitis.
- Swelling of the upper part of the larynx. This is epiglottitis.
- Swelling of the larynx. This is laryngitis.
- Swelling of the larynx and trachea. This is laryngotracheitis.
- Swelling of the trachea. This is tracheitis.
View Original
View Original
View Original
View Original
View OriginalView Original
What are the causes?
The main cause is an infection from certain germs. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
- Cold or winter season
- Your child has a low immune system
- Close contact with someone who has an upper respiratory infection
What are the main signs?
- Cough
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Stuffy nose
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Tired
- Weakness
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will do an exam and ask about your childs health history. The doctor will check your child's nose, throat, and lungs. The doctor may order: ‚
- Lab tests
- Throat swab
- Chest x-ray
- CT or MRI scan
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
The doctor may give your child drugs for infection. The doctor may also give other drugs based on your childs condition. Give drugs to your child as ordered by your doctor. ‚
Surgery will not be needed in most cases. If the problems do not get better with care, your child may need to have surgery. Your doctor will tell you if your child needs surgery. ‚
What lifestyle changes are needed?
Make sure your child gets enough rest. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain from a sore throat or coughing
- Fight an infection
- Lessen swelling and dry up a stuffy or runny nose
- Stop wheezing and open up your childs lungs
- Control coughing
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Have your child wash hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers also work to kill germs.
- If your child is sick, have your child cover the mouth and nose with tissue when coughing or sneezing. Your child can also cough into the elbow. Have your child throw away tissues in the trash and wash hands after touching used tissues.
- Do not get too close (kissing, hugging) to people who are sick.
- Do not share towels or hankies with anyone who is sick.
- Stay away from crowded places.
- Give your child vitamin C to help build up your childs ability to fight disease.
- Have your child get a flu shot each year.
Where can I learn more?
American Family Physician ‚
http://www.aafp.org/afp/topicModules/viewTopicModule.htm?topicModuleId=29 ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/eyes/childs_cough.html ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/sheets/cough_sheet.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚