Would this be a cold?

Question

My son has had a cough for the past couple nights. Non productive and dry. This afternoon, he started sounding congested, and in the past couple hours his voice has become sort of hoarse.. He sounds like he needs to clear his throat, but when he tries, his throat sounds reallly dry, so I am guessing it is just congested. Does these symptoms sound like a cold to you?? There is also no sign of a fever. I will make him an appoitment on Monday if he does not get better, but for the time being, I have been treating him with over the counter products. Also he is three years old.

Answer 1

Hmmm. Hard to say. Over the weekend, you should try humidifying the room -- either use a machine, or hang up some wet towels over a chair.

Make sure he gets plenty of liquids, and try gargling with tea or salt water.

I'd go really easy on the OTC products -- they can make a cough worse, if you don't know what's going on.

Another thing to try: change the sheets and dust and vacuum in the room (make sure he's not in the room when you do this).

If it gets worse, of course, take him to the doctor. And if it continues more than a few days, go. Monday sounds right; although you could wait until Tuesday (when it's not so crowded) if he's still active, playing and feeling fine except for the throat thingy.

Good luck!

Answer 2

It sounds like a cold or the flu. It shouldn't be a big problem, and should clear up relatively quickly. However, due to his young age I would advise going to the doctor anyway.