Colds/Fever Some kids can develop signifi cant trouble
breathing when they have croup. If this hap- pens, stay calm and try to soothe and comfort your child. If it’s cool outside, put a coat on him, take him out and let him breathe the cool air. This should help reduce the swelling of his vocal cords and give breathing relief. You could also steam up the bathroom, and sit with and continue to soothe your child. If he develops severe respiratory distress, take him to the emergency room or call 911. The parainfl uenza virus can also cause
a fever, a hoarse voice, nasal congestion and nasal drainage. Comfort measures are the best treatment. Kids tend to sleep better in an upright position, with pillow propping. Give your child plenty of clear fl uids. To lessen any discomfort or fever, use either acetaminophen or ibuprofen, as directed on the package. Expect the symptoms of croup to last three
to four days.
SYMPTOMATIC TREATMENT FOR COLD SYMPTOMS There are numerous viruses in spring and summer that can cause symptoms such as a stuffy nose, nasal drainage, a mild or low-grade fever, sneezing, a cough, a mild sore throat or decreased activity. Symptomatic treatment is the best way
to keep your child comfortable. Plenty of rest is one of the best ways to help resolve symptoms quickly. Try to provide an environ- ment that’s quiet and favorable for sleep and rest periods. Your child will also need extra fl uids, such as soup, gelatin, decaffeinated tea, Popsicles, electrolyte replacers and water. Another helpful treatment is nasal saline spray
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The saltwater in saline spray or drops will help loosen mucus, allowing it to drain better
or drops. The spray can be used in older kids, and the drops in infants. The saltwater will help loosen the mucus in the nasal passages, al- lowing it to drain better. The salty environment can also slow down the growth of germs in the nasal passages, and speed up recovery. Most viral illnesses last fi ve to ten days.
FEVERS Fevers activate white blood cells to fi ght infec- tion. If your child has a low-grade fever and is not uncomfortable, it’s safe to monitor her, and allow the fever to help extinguish the germ. However, if the fever is 101 or greater, or she is uncomfortable or feeling chilled, you can give her either acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Give ac- etaminophen to infants under 12 months, and either medication to older children. Use only one medication or the other — do not alternate. Acetaminophen is taken every four hours, and ibuprofen every six hours. Follow the dosage instructions on the package. A fever should last three to fi ve days. If it
lasts longer, or your child has a high fever, a se- vere sore throat, persistent cough or a change in behavior, your provider should see her.
Debbie Gortowski, MSN, CPNP, is a PNP in a primary care clinic at the University of Illinois College of Medicine-Rockford.
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