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Definition
Symptoms
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Runny or congested nose
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The nasal discharge may be clear, cloudy, yellow or green
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Usually associated with fever
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A sore throat often is the first symptom
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Sometimes associated with a cough, hoarse voice, watery eyes, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck
Cause
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Colds are caused by several respiratory viruses. Healthy children average 6 colds a year. Influenza usually feels like a bad cold with more fever and muscle aches.
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Colds are not serious. Between 5 and 10% of children develop a bacterial complication (ear or sinus infection).
Colds: Normal Viral Symptoms
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Colds cause nasal discharge, nasal congestion, sinus congestion, ear congestion, sore throats, hoarse voice, coughs, croup, and red, watery eyes. When you combine all these symptoms, colds are the most common reason for calls to the doctor.
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Cold symptoms are also the number one reason for office and ER visits. Hopefully, this information will save you time and money and help you avoid some unnecessary trips to the doctor. You can be reassured the following are normal cold symptoms and children with these symptoms don't need to be seen:
Colds: Symptoms of Secondary Bacterial Infections
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