When should i see a doctor about a cold?

What the evidence says

A cold, caused by a virus in the nose and throat, almost always gets better on its own. Most children have a runny nose, cough, sneezing, and maybe a mild sore throat or fever, and these symptoms fade over about a week, though they can last up to two weeks. You usually don't need to rush to the doctor for a normal cold.

There are some signs that mean it's time to call a doctor or go to an emergency department. These include breathing fast or working hard to breathe, being much sleepier than usual, refusing to eat or drink, or being so fussy that nothing calms your child down. Ear pain or drainage from the ear can mean a middle ear infection, which is also worth a call.

Thick yellow or green mucus from the nose is normal with a cold and does not need antibiotics by itself. But if it lasts more than 10 to 14 days, that's a reason to check in with your doctor, since it could mean a sinus infection has developed instead.

Babies matter more here. If your baby is under 3 months old, call the doctor at the very first sign of a cold or any fever, because young babies can get seriously sick quickly and it's hard to tell how sick they really are just by looking. A stuffy nose in a very young baby can also make feeding hard, which is another reason to get help early.

Finally, watch for things that suggest something more than a simple cold, like a barking cough (croup), wheezing or real trouble breathing (which can point to bronchiolitis or pneumonia), or a fever that comes back after your child seemed to be getting better. Any of these calls for a doctor's visit rather than just waiting it out.