how long would you let a cold go on for before being a bit concerned?

[mad4myboys]

ok so flu season/cold season but 12 month old ds2 has had a cold for 2 weeks now. Nose is very congested and then running disgustingly and he is grouchy. Have been giving him paracetamol and i know you shouldnt do this for long? He hasnt had a temperature. Ive never known a cold to last this long. If i went to see gp wouldnt they just say wait it out? If it was something else he'd have a temp wouldnt he?

Yes, I stay with them! Why wouldn't you?!

It doesn't "treat" earaches or anything else -- it kills the pain. And illnesses retreat more quickly without it.

i stupidly tried to cut down on calpol use for my 18 month old ds (due to getting nagged by other people) and i had to witness my ds have a febrile convulsion. it was horific to witness and the guilt will never leave me. my gp has no objection to using calpol but she has an objection to people denying there dc's medicines they may need.

I hardly ever give calpol - I agree that fever has a purpose. If they seem achy I'd give calpol. But I do think that one of the lessons of childhood (not for 12 month olds, obviously, but for older children) is that you sometimes have to carry on even if you don't feel 100%.

I would allow flopping in front of the TV - but I just can't imagine making anyone stay in bed. I think it used to happen because it was the only way you could be sure of keeping a poorly child warm. In these days of central heating I can't see the purpose of it!

Sorry about your child Latte. I'm glad he's ok. Febrile convulsions are rare though. It's still better to try to avoid paracetamol if possible.

My ds also had FC as a baby/toddler.

They are much rarer than they used to be - because paracetamol for children is now available.

I take something if I feel crappy - so why would I deny my child the chance to feel a little better. I don't kow any reason why paracetamol should be avoided - as far as I am aware there aren't side effects if you stick to the dose?

OP - colds generally last just under a week, so it's likely that he's several colds in a row - 2yo DS is the same, he's on his second week of snotty nose and awful cough. Made the mistake of taking him out for a walk yesterday and he's so much worse today.

I would offer calpol/neurofen if you think it's needed - you say he hasn't got a temperature but DS definitely perked up when I gave him calpol - I think he'd had a headache (kept rubbing his head).

Ok, I meant calpol treats the pain, not the earrache itself. Sorry if my wording was incorrect.

I would still give my child calpol if they were in pain. I would rather they had 1 extra day of mild symptoms than 1 less day of severe symptoms.

To the OP - how is your DS2 today?

he is very tired but i can NOT keep him in bed all day!!! He is 12 months old!!! If i made him stay there he would be hysterical and therefore i feel make him worse!

I agree that the calpol may be supressing the symptoms but im not giving it every 4 hours, just when i feel he needs it and he does perk up after i give it to him. He is coughing today but like i said, not making that noise he was making when we were on holiday last year.

He is having a nap at mo, nearly 2 hours which is good for him. Didnt have breakfast but drinking milk...

Ive fot a wierd cough/bug thing but not a cold so i guess there are alot of germs around our home

I'm sorry yours is so sick, mad.

On the subject of Calpol, one day less of symptoms every time they are ill may have more long lasting consequences..

here

Obviously I wouldnt advocate giving calpol, or any other medicines, for the sake of it. Dont get me started on people who give medised just to get a child to sleep. However, I still think it has it's place.

Debate previously on MN over the pros/cons of calpol itself and current perceived over-use www.mumsnet.com/Talk/childrens_health/852104-Calpol-Behind-the-Label Well worth a read.

I generally trust my judgement, although I am aware the children's medicine market is huge. If DDs are just a bit tired/achy of course they dont get medicine. If they have a streaming cold and earache or headache that is so bad it makes them cry in pain then yes they do. HTH.

well been to gp as ive been given anti b's for chest infection and he checked ds2 and says no infection etc and just keep how i was...

Hi everyone, anyone’s children had a cold longer than 10 days ?. Mine had cold like symptoms with a temperature for few days, then fevers gone. But is still snotty. Also has cough.