AskDocDoc
/
/
/
what causes common cold
FREE!Ask Doctors — 24/7
Connect with Doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
500 doctors ONLINE
#1 Medical Platform
Ask question for free
00H : 21M : 11S
background image
Click Here
background image
Pediatric Medicine
Question #23552
136 days ago
167

what causes common cold

Shanaya

I am really worried about my kids getting sick again. Last week, both of them had a terrible time with what seemed like a common cold. They were sneezing, coughing, and had runny noses nonstop! I took them to the doc, and he said it’s just a common cold, which is supposed to be harmless, but it really took a toll on them. I mean, they miss school, and it feels like they are always sick! My question is, what causes common cold in young children? Are there certain things we could do to stop them from catching it so easily? Like, do they get it from other kids at school, or is it airborne or something? I heard from a neighbor that washing hands a lot can help, but is that really effective for what causes common cold, or is it more about germs on surfaces? My toddler loves to touch everything! 😩 Also, should I be worried if they get a common cold too often? What can I expect in terms of recovery, like will they bounce back quickly, or does it linger? Just feeling a bit overwhelmed, you know?

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image asteriksCTA image

Doctors' responses

The common cold in young children is primarily caused by viruses, with the rhinovirus being the most common culprit. Children are particularly susceptible because they have developing immune systems and are often in close contact with other kids, such as in schools or daycare, where viruses spread easily. You’re correct that it’s transmitted through respiratory droplets, but it can also spread through touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching the face. Therefore, good hygiene practices like washing hands frequently and encouraging your children to avoid touching their faces can indeed help reduce the chances of catching a cold. It’s also a good idea to regularly clean commonly touched surfaces. Helping your children develop habits like using tissues or covering their mouths when they cough or sneeze can also be protective.

Regarding their frequent colds, it’s not unusual for children to have several colds each year, particularly if they are in environments with lots of other kids. However, if it seems excessive or if they are having complications such as wheezing or difficulty breathing, a follow-up with your pediatrician is warranted to rule out any underlying issues like asthma or allergies. Typically, most children recover from a common cold without problems within 7 to 10 days, though a lingering cough can sometimes persist for a few weeks. Encouraging rest, ensuring they are well-hydrated, and providing a balanced diet can support a quicker recovery. Over-the-counter products may provide symptom relief but should be used cautiously and under guidance, particularly for children. It’s important to avoid giving young children adult medications for colds. If symptoms persist, worsen, or if you are simply concerned about your children’s health, please consult with their healthcare provider for advice tailored to their specific needs.

20636 answered questions
91% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously

Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.

About our doctors

Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


What to do for my 8-year-old son with poor appetite, growth delay, and abnormal GI tests?
What are the possible causes and treatments for my child's involuntary stool leakage and constipation?
Should I get a rabies vaccine after a scratch from a stray cat?
What are the possible causes and treatments for my child's involuntary stool leakage and difficulty controlling bowel movements?
What does a direct bilirubin level of 1.3 mg/dL mean for my 25-day-old baby with jaundice?
How to reduce Productive cough during sleep
How to reduce cough during sleep
My cough makes my head hurt like it’s pressure
How to to reduce leg shivering problem
Posterior closes time and head circumference
What to do when my baby has a persistent cough and cold?
What to do if my baby has a persistent cough and cold?
about The breast feeding and formula milk
What should I know about my child's small ventricular septal defect and echogenic focus in the heart?
How much Vitamin D3 syrup should I give my 12-day-old baby each day?
What could be causing my 7-month-old baby's head to feel warm suddenly while other symptoms are normal?
How to treat swelling and redness on my child's penis with pain?
best antibiotic for eye flu
bache m nimoniya ke lakshan
best antibiotic for viral fever
Is it okay if we wait till next morning
asthma in toddlers
which solution is given when a person has vomiting and loose motions
tomato fever
can we drink sugarcane juice during fever
home remedies for loose motion in babies
home remedy for loose motion
viral fever means
how many days does fever last
uses of ors