Most coughs and colds are caused by viruses, that are passed to others by coughing and sneezing.
Infants and children often have more coughs and colds than adults, because their immune systems have not ‘met and conquered’ as many of these viruses as we have.
In fact, the average primary school child typically has 8 to 10 coughs or colds a year, and children whos parents smoke will often have more.
Symptoms of coughs and colds
Cough, which is often worse at night.
Runny or blocked nose
Sore Throat
Headache
Tiredness
Aches and pains
Earache (due to the build up of mucus)
Coughs and Colds Treatments
Unfortunately there is no magic cure for children’s coughs and colds. Antibiotics do not kill viruses, so they are no use for the common cold. The best approach is time, rest and plenty of fluids. Children’s paracetamol or ibuprofen may help to ease aches and pains or a fever.
Other cold and cough remedies are available from your pharmacist and some people do find them useful. But note that these remedies often contain a combination of several ingredients – like a decongestant and paracetamol. So it’s a good idea to speak to your pharmacist if you are looking to combine medications to ensure that you do not accidentally give them more than the recommended dose.
In babies a popular treatment for a bunged up or blocked nose is saline (salt water) drops. Instilled in the nose just before feeds, it can clear the nose and make feeding easier.
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