While 20 to 30% of colds are caused by unknown viruses, rhinovirus is responsible for about 50% of all these illnesses. Families are well aware of how quickly and easily colds can spread. Pediatric patients in New Jersey are treated for rhinovirus colds and infections by Touchpoint Pediatrics, located in Chatham. Providing expert care for colds and other illnesses, these pediatricians are all board-certified.
How to Diagnose Rhinovirus
Usually, colds caused by rhinovirus infection are self-diagnosed. For pediatric patients, their parents often recognize the start of a common cold. However, it’s important to monitor the number of days a child exhibits symptoms.
Colds that last more than 10 days or become worse may require a visit to Touchpoint Pediatrics. Other signs that a medical visit may be warranted include ear infections, high fevers, or, for children 4 years old and up, the ineffectiveness of over-the-counter medications. If the symptoms do worsen, especially if the child is having trouble breathing, contact Touchpoint Pediatrics.
What Are the Symptoms of Rhinovirus?
Most adults know how a cold looks and feels; they average two to four per year. Very young children may have eight to 10 colds a year. And as kids start daycare and school, this number can rise to 12 or more. The cold season starts in September and lasts until April, and many of these illnesses are caused by rhinovirus. Here are the most common symptoms:
- Sore throat
- Congestion
- Headache
- Sneezing
- Runny nose and watery mucus
- Cough
- Sneeze
- Fever
- Aches and pains
- Fatigue
- Smaller appetite
- Weeping eyes
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
As the cold progresses, the child may experience postnasal drip. This can cause nausea. Extended sinus irritation can affect both the bronchial tubes and spur the development of ear infections.
Rhinovirus Treatments
Rhinovirus treatments are common for respiratory illnesses. One of the most important elements of recovering from a cold is obtaining needed rest. However, when coughing, congestion, and sore throats are symptoms, it can be difficult for a child to sleep well. Pay attention to the amount of sleep, food, and liquids the child gets. Dehydration or weakness from lack of appetite will only lengthen the period of illness. Here are some of the most common treatments:
- Sleeping and taking rest
- Drinking water and staying hydrated
- Gargling with warm salt water, depending on the age of the child
- Administering saline nose drops or sprays for congestion
- Utilizing a cool humidifier or vaporizer to soothe an irritated throat and nasal passages
- Taking warm, soothing baths
- Clearing nasal passages of babies with bulb syringes
Medications may help with pediatric rhinovirus symptoms if the child is at least 4 years old. It is important to carefully measure and track the dosage of any medications given to children. Touchpoint Pediatrics provides Tylenol and Motrin dosing information to assist families when administering these two medications.
Children with asthma may need to change their usual medication routines when experiencing a cold. Contact Touchpoint Pediatrics if asthma, diabetes, or other chronic health conditions affect the child, and get advice on treating their rhinovirus cold symptoms.
Viruses and Antibiotics
Rhinovirus in kids and infants is usually considered to be a cold. Many parents ask for antibiotic medications, but antibiotics are an ineffective treatment for viruses. If symptoms persist for more than 10 days, the viral cold may have become a bacterial infection. And this may require antibiotic treatment.
If a child’s symptoms are getting worse, or if they have a high fever or experience painful earaches, make an appointment for a doctor visit with the pediatrician. Touchpoint Pediatrics offers urgent care services for after-hours consultations and visits when medically necessary.
Excellent Medical Care for Children at Touchpoint Pediatrics
Touchpoint Pediatrics cares for families throughout Morristown, Summit, Berkeley Heights, Hoboken, and beyond from headquarters in Chatham, NJ. The pediatricians understand that colds are painful and disrupt usual routines. They encourage families to monitor rhinovirus and other cold symptoms for duration and severity. If the usual rhinovirus treatments are not effective, contact Touchpoint Pediatrics and schedule an appointment today.