Why does a child with a cold become excessively sleepy?

Generally, a child's drowsiness during a cold may be caused by multiple factors such as systemic fatigue due to viral infection, underdeveloped thermoregulation function, infectious rhinitis, chronic tonsillitis, and adenoid hypertrophy. The specific explanations are as follows:

1. Viral Infection

Colds are usually respiratory infections caused by viruses. After the virus invades the child's body, the immune system fights against the virus, which consumes a significant amount of energy and causes fatigue, making the child feel sleepy. Parents should teach children to develop good living habits, enhance their resistance, and prevent colds.

2. Underdeveloped Thermoregulation Function

Due to their young age, children's thermoregulatory centers have not fully matured. Therefore, bacterial infections can easily cause fever. Drowsiness and listlessness often occur during fever. Parents should monitor the child's temperature, adjust clothing appropriately, and avoid catching cold or overheating, which may lead to colds.

3. Infectious Rhinitis

Infectious rhinitis may be caused by pathogens such as viruses or bacteria, leading to nasal mucosal inflammation, resulting in local congestion, edema, and increased secretions. These pathological changes cause breathing difficulties, increasing respiratory resistance during sleep, thus causing drowsiness. Symptoms may include nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. Medications such as Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium Granules, Cefixime Granules, or Penicillin G Sodium for injection may be used under a doctor's guidance.

4. Chronic Tonsillitis

Chronic tonsillitis may result from recurrent episodes of acute tonsillitis or incomplete recovery. Children may experience a sensation of a foreign body in the throat, snoring during sleep, and other symptoms that affect sleep quality, leading to drowsiness. Associated symptoms may include throat pain and difficulty swallowing. Medications such as Levofloxacin Tablets, Amoxicillin Capsules, or Cefaclor Capsules should be used according to medical advice.

5. Adenoid Hypertrophy

Adenoid hypertrophy may compress and narrow the airway, causing breathing difficulties during sleep. Persistent hypoxemia can lead to daytime drowsiness. Symptoms such as mouth breathing, snoring, and breathing pauses may also occur. Medications such as Roxithromycin Dispersible Tablets, Azithromycin Dry Suspension, or Ibuprofen Tablets may be used under a doctor's guidance.

To prevent this symptom, parents should focus on enhancing the child's physical condition in daily life, ensuring a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, active participation in outdoor activities to improve physical fitness, and maintaining good indoor air circulation to reduce bacterial growth.