Upper Respiratory Infections in Children
Colds, coughs, stuffy noses and sinus congestion are some of the most common reasons parents bring their children to the doctor. Most of these symptoms are caused by an upper respiratory infection (URI), which affects the nose, throat and upper airways.
Care for Kids provides pediatric urgent and primary care for children experiencing coughs, colds, congestion and other respiratory symptoms.
Cold and Upper Respiratory Infection Symptoms in Kids
Symptoms can vary by age and illness but commonly include:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Cough
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Sinus or nasal congestion
- Headache
- Mild fever
- Fatigue
- Decreased appetite
Young children may also become fussier than usual or have difficulty sleeping because of congestion.
Can Upper Respiratory Infections Be Prevented?
It’s difficult to completely prevent colds and other respiratory infections, especially when children attend school or daycare. You can help reduce their risk and limit the spread of illness by encouraging:
- Frequent handwashing
- Covering coughs and sneezes
- Avoiding touching the eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
- Cleaning frequently touched surfaces
- Avoiding sharing cups and utensils
- Staying home when sick
- Keeping recommended vaccinations up to date
Is It a Cold or a Sinus Infection?
Most upper respiratory infections are caused by viruses and improve with time. Sometimes symptoms that persist or worsen may indicate another condition, such as a sinus infection.
A pediatric provider can evaluate your child’s symptoms, how long they have been sick and whether additional testing or treatment may be appropriate.
How Are Upper Respiratory Infections Treated?
Most upper respiratory infections, including the common cold, are caused by viruses and improve on their own. Treatment typically focuses on helping your child feel more comfortable while their body fights the infection.
Depending on your child’s age and symptoms, a provider may recommend:
- Plenty of fluids and rest
- Saline nasal spray or drops to help with congestion
- A cool-mist humidifier
- Age-appropriate medications for fever or discomfort
- Honey to help soothe a cough for children over 1 year old
- Testing for illnesses such as flu, COVID-19, RSV or strep when appropriate
Antibiotics do not treat viral infections like the common cold. However, if your child’s evaluation identifies a bacterial infection, your provider can recommend appropriate treatment.
When Should My Child See a Doctor for a Cough or Cold?
Consider having your child evaluated when symptoms are getting worse instead of better, a fever persists, your child develops ear pain, coughing interferes with sleep or normal activity, or you simply aren’t sure what’s causing the symptoms.
🚨 Seek emergency medical attention for severe difficulty breathing, blue or gray lips or skin, or other life-threatening symptoms.
Urgent Care or Primary Care?
Pediatric Urgent Care is a convenient choice for a new cough, cold, fever, congestion or other illness that needs timely evaluation.
Pediatric Primary Care may be more appropriate for recurring respiratory problems, ongoing coughs or symptoms that need continued follow-up.
At Care for Kids, families can access both urgent and primary care, helping keep your child’s care connected.
Find Pediatric Care Near You
Whether your child wakes up congested, develops a stubborn cough or isn’t getting better, Care for Kids is here to help.
👉 Find your nearest Care for Kids clinic and book pediatric urgent or primary care at urgentcarekids.com/locations.
