Coughs and Colds in Young Children

Introduction

This leaflet tells you about cough and colds in young children.

Coughs and colds are usually caused by viral infections. They are very common in colder weather and winter periods.

What causes coughs and colds?

Most coughs and colds are caused by a virus. Many different viruses can infect the nose and throat. They are passed on by coughing and sneezing the virus into the air.

When a child starts school they can expect to have 6 to 8 coughs or colds a year. Sometimes it seems that they have a cough or cold one after another.

A child who lives with people who smoke has an increased risk of catching coughs and colds.

The best way to stop spreading these viruses is to;

• Always carry tissues.

• Use a tissue or hand to cover your nose every time you cough or sneeze.

• Use the tissue once and throw it in the bin.

• Wash or clean your hands regularly, and as soon as possible after a cough or sneeze.

What are the symptoms?

The most common symptoms are a cough, and a runny nose. The cough is often worse at night. A child who is coughing will not choke or stop breathing. Coughing will not damage their lungs, sometimes your child may vomit (be sick) during or after coughing.

Your child may also have a raised temperature (fever), a sore throat, headache, feel tired and may be off their food. Your child could also have dulled hearing or earache caused by a build-up of mucus (thick fluid) behind the ear drums. 

What are the treatments for coughs and colds?

There is no magic cure. The symptoms tend to be worse in the first 2 to 3 days, and then usually ease gradually over the next few days. An irritating cough may linger for up to 2 to 4 weeks.

You should;

• Give your child plenty of fluids to drink.

• Seek medical advice if your child is under 3 months old.

• Give paracetamol, for example, Calpol, Disprol, Medinol or a supermarket’s or pharmacist’s (chemist) own brand, if your child is over 3 months old. 

Paracetamol can be given every 4 to 6 hours.

 Do not give more than 4 doses in 24 hours.

You must always follow the instructions provided in the leaflet supplied with your medication.

You can buy cold remedies and cough mixtures in pharmacies (chemists) and supermarkets.

Always check the ingredients as some remedies may contain paracetamol and it is important not to give more than the maximum dose. If in doubt speak to a Pharmacist or Doctor before giving.

For small babies saline drops (salt water) may be useful to help clear a bunged up nose and make breathing and feeding easier.

What complications may develop?

Most coughs and colds get better without any complications. Sometimes a more serious bacterial infection may develop, for example, an ear infection or pneumonia.

Things to look out for include;

• Earache that gets worse or goes on for a long time.
• Fast breathing.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Wheezing.
• Chest pains.
• High temperature, a temperature higher than 37.5^oC (99.5°F)
• Drowsiness (feeling sleepy).
• Continuous vomiting (being sick).

If you have any concerns about your child having any of these symptoms you should contact your GP.

Contact numbers

If you have any worries or concerns you should contact your GP during normal surgery hours. 

Further information is available from:

NHS Choices

Telephone: 111 (when it is less urgent than 999)

Calls to this number are free from landlines and mobile phones

or via the website at www.nhs.uk

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:

Telephone: 01642 624719

Freephone: 0800 092 0084

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Email: [email protected]

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Telephone: 01642 617617

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The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

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Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:

Email: [email protected]