Coughs and colds are among the most common complaints experienced by children, especially during the rainy season or when the immune system is weakened. Generally, these conditions will improve within 7–10 days with adequate rest, good nutrition, and medication as recommended by a doctor.
However, what if a cough and cold persist for weeks? Is this still normal?
Come on, let's learn about the various causes of persistent coughs and colds in children so that they can be treated more appropriately.
When is a Cough and Cold Still Considered Normal in Children?
Most coughs and colds in children are caused by viral infections, such as the common cold. These conditions generally improve on their own within about 1–2 weeks.
As long as the child is still actively playing, eating and drinking, and not experiencing shortness of breath or a persistent high fever, parents usually don't need to worry too much. Continue providing adequate fluids, nutritious food, and ensuring the child rests.
However, if the complaint lasts longer or becomes more severe, further examination by a doctor is required.
Causes of Coughs and Colds That Don't Get Better
There are several conditions that can cause a cough and cold to last longer than usual, including:
1. Viral infections that come alternately
Children, especially those who attend school or frequently play with friends, are more susceptible to various viruses. It's not uncommon for children to experience a new viral infection before the previous one has completely cleared up.
As a result, parents feel like their cough and cold never go away, when in fact their child is experiencing different infections in succession.
2. Allergies
A long-lasting cough and cold can also be caused by allergies, for example to dust, animal hair, mites, or pollen.
Symptoms that often appear include:
- Persistent stuffy or runny nose.
- Repeated sneezing, especially in the morning.
- Itchy or watery eyes.
- Cough that occurs more frequently at night or early morning.
In this condition, common cold medications generally do not provide optimal results because the cause is not an infection.
3. Sinusitis
Inflammation of the sinus cavities can occur after a persistent cold. The buildup of mucus can trigger a persistent cough due to fluid draining down the throat (post-nasal drip).
Children with sinusitis may experience:
- Cold for more than 10 days without getting better.
- Yellow or green mucus.
- Bad breath.
- Pain or fullness around the face (more common in older children).
4. Asthma
In some children, a persistent cough, especially at night, after running, or in cold weather, can be a sign of asthma.
Other symptoms that may accompany are:
- The breath sounds "ngik-ngik" (wheezing).
- Hard to breathe.
- Frequent coughing.
5. Bacterial Infection
Although most coughs and colds are caused by viruses, bacterial infections can also be the cause if symptoms do not improve or become more severe.
The doctor will assess whether the child requires special treatment, including antibiotics. It's important to remember that antibiotics cannot treat viral infections , so they should not be given without a doctor's examination.
When Should Parents Be Alarmed?
Take your child to the doctor immediately if they experience one or more of the following conditions:
- Cough and cold last more than 10–14 days without getting better.
- High fever that persists or reappears after improving.
- The child appears short of breath or is breathing faster than usual.
- Lips or fingertips appear bluish.
- The child has difficulty eating or drinking.
- The child appears weak, constantly sleepy, or difficult to wake up.
- Cough accompanied by repeated wheezing or vomiting.
Early examination can help doctors identify the cause and provide appropriate treatment.
How to Help Children Recover Quickly?
Apart from following treatment from a doctor, parents can also help speed up their child's recovery by:
- Make sure your child gets enough rest.
- Provide enough fluids so that the body does not lack fluids.
- Provide nutritious food according to the child's eating ability.
- Maintain clean hands and home environment.
- Prevent children from exposure to cigarette smoke and air pollution.
- Use medication according to doctor's advice, not based on other people's recommendations.
Can Coughs and Colds Be Prevented?
Not all colds can be prevented, but the risk can be reduced by taking the following steps:
- Teach children to wash their hands with soap regularly.
- Provide immunizations according to schedule.
- Make sure your child gets enough sleep.
- Provide balanced nutritious food.
- Encourage children to do physical activities according to their age.
- Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke at home and in vehicles.
When to See a Doctor?
Coughs and colds in children are generally caused by a viral infection and usually improve within 1–2 weeks. However, if the symptoms persist, recur frequently, or are accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath, persistent fever, or a decline in general condition, other causes may be present, such as allergies, sinusitis, asthma, or a bacterial infection.
Don't hesitate to consult a pediatrician to identify the cause of your child's cough and cold early and receive appropriate treatment. Appropriate treatment not only helps speed recovery but also prevents complications.
This article was written by Dr. Irdian Nofriansyah Taim, Sp.A, M.Kes (Pediatrician at EMC Pekayon Hospital).