BRONSON RAMBLING ROAD PEDIATRICS
5629 Stadium Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
(269) 372-1000
2680 West Centre
Portage, MI 49007
(269) 324-2400
WINTERTIME REMEDIES
We would like to clarify some confusion and misconceptions about respiratory illnesses in
children.
All children, particularly young children in a group situation, such as daycare or preschool,
develop multiple respiratory infections each year. These are most common during the months of
October through April. The number of respiratory infections that each child develops depends
on his or her age and the number of children the child is exposed to. The number of colds or
respiratory infections ranges from two to three per year or eight to ten per year.
The vast majority of these illnesses are viral and do not require any specific treatment. During a
typical viral upper respiratory tract infection, the child will develop a sore throat and fever,
which typically lasts 48 to 72 hours. The nasal discharge starts out clear and watery and then
becomes thick, colored and opaque. After a few days, the situation reverses and the nasal
discharge becomes clear again. All of these changes occur with the simple, uncomplicated
respiratory tract infection. Thick nasal mucus, including green mucus, does not suggest any kind
of secondary bacterial infection by itself. Most of the symptoms of viral respiratory tract
infections should be resolved by about 10 - 14 days from the onset. If the child’s respiratory
symptoms continue at the point with persistence of a cough and nasal discharge, this can suggest
a secondary infection in the sinuses (sinusitis), which is often bacterial in nature. It is in these
situations (persistence of the respiratory infection beyond the usual ten-day interval) that
antibiotic therapy may then be warranted.
The multitude of over the counter and prescription cough and cold products do not in any way
shorten the course of a viral respiratory tract infection or prevent middle ear infections or
sinusitis from developing. In some children, these products may help to decrease slightly the
nasal secretions and cough. A cough generally is a protective reflex, serving to clear the child’s
airways and does not need to be treated unless it disrupts the child’s daytime activities, results in
vomiting or disrupts the child’s sleep. Treatments with analgesics, such as acetaminophen or
ibuprofen, to help with the discomfort and fever associated with the initial phase of viral
respiratory tract infections may be helpful. These medications only help with discomfort and do
not shorten the child’s illness.
If you have any questions, please contact your primary care physician.
Reviewed / Revised 07/2009