Cough & Cold

Common Childhood Illness

The average child experiences 6–8 colds per year, and even more if they attend daycare or school. While most resolve on their own, some require medical attention to rule out complications like pneumonia, bronchitis, or secondary bacterial infections.

When to See a Doctor

Bring your child in if symptoms last more than 10 days without improvement, fever above 102°F persists for more than 3 days, breathing becomes rapid or labored, your child complains of ear pain, nasal discharge becomes thick green/yellow with facial pain, or your child is under 3 months with any cold symptoms.

Our Approach

We perform a thorough evaluation to determine if the illness is viral (most common) or bacterial. For viral infections, we provide home care guidance including rest, hydration, saline drops, and age-appropriate fever management. For bacterial complications, we prescribe targeted antibiotics.

Prevention Tips

Hand washing is the single most effective prevention strategy. Teach children to wash for 20 seconds, cover coughs with their elbow, avoid sharing cups and utensils, and stay home when sick.