Coughs and Colds in Children

Coughs and colds are usually caused by infection with a germ called a virus. They normally clear away on their own, and antibiotic medicines are usually of no use. Paracetamol or ibuprofen may ease some of the symptoms. Make sure the child has enough to drink.

See a doctor if any symptoms develop that you are concerned about. This is particularly important if your child has a long-term illness or medical condition - for example, chest/breathing/heart problems or neurological disease. Doctors are skilled at checking children over to rule out serious illnesses. They may not be able to prescribe anything more effective for a common cough or cold, but a check-over can be reassuring.