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Cold Complications

The same viruses that cause a stuffy nose can infect other areas of the body -- or reduce your child's immunity and pave the way for a secondary bacterial infection.

Ears

Kids with colds often say their ears hurt, but this doesn't necessarily signal an ear infection. The inner ear may be making more fluid, like a runny nose, and a child just feels pressure. Babies may be fussy, have trouble sleeping, or tug at their ears. Your child may also have a fever.

Medical care: Call the doctor if your child seems uncomfortable, particularly if she has had previous infections. If she's over 2, try a wait-and-see approach before requesting antibiotics. The pediatrician can also prescribe anesthetic eardrops.

Help at home: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can relieve her pain. A warm compress on her ear can be soothing too.

Parents.com