While most cases of the common cold in young children are harmless, there are certain warning signs that should prompt a call to the pediatrician.
The American Academy of Pediatrics offers this list of "red flags" among children 3 months or older:
- Nostrils that spread with each breath, difficulty breathing, or the skin near the ribs "sucks in" when the child breaths.
- A blue tinge to the nails or lips.
- Nasal mucus that doesn't go away after 10 to 14 days.
- Persistent cough that lasts for longer than a week.
- Ear pain.
- Unusual sleepiness or crankiness.
- A temperature higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.9 degrees Celsius).
Health Tip: Suggestions to Prevent Heat Rash
Heat rash occurs when an infant's pores become blocked, usually during hot, humid weather.
The University of Maryland Medical Center offers these suggestions to help prevent heat rash:
- Dress baby in clothes that are lightweight and made of cotton.
- Keep baby in an air-conditioned room during hot weather. Turn on a fan in baby's room when air conditioning isn't available.
- Skip ointments, creams or powders on baby's skin.
- Do your best to make sure that baby doesn't get too warm, and that the skin stays dry.
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