Cough/colds (over 1's)

Click here to download a printable version of this page

Coughs and colds are extremely common in children. Over the first few years of life, your child might have these every month.

Coughing is the body's natural way of clearing infection
Most of these are likely to be caused by a virus, which means that antibiotics don’t help. Antibiotics might cause side effects such as rash and diarrhoea, or increase the risk of developing antibiotic resistance.
Having green snot or a noisy chest does not mean that your child has an infection needing antibiotics
Coughing can wake a child in the night but does not mean the illness is more severe

When should you worry?

If your child has any of the following:

Breathing very fast or breathing that stops or pauses
Makes a grunting noise every time they breathe out
A harsh noise as they breathe in (stridor) present all of the time (even when they are not upset)
Becomes pale, blue, mottled and/or unusually cold to touch
Difficult to wake up, very sleepy or confused
Weak, high-pitched, continuous cry or can’t be settled
Has a fit (seizure)
Is under 3 months old with temperature more than 38°C or under 36°C (unless fever in the 48 hours following vaccinations and no other red or amber features)
Has a rash that does not go away with pressure (the ‘Glass Test’)

You need urgent help.

Go to the nearest Hospital Emergency (A&E) Department or phone 999

If your child has any of the following:

Working hard to breathe, drawing in of the muscles below the ribs
A harsh noise as they breathe in (stridor) only when upset
Dry skin, lips or tongue
Not had a wee or wet nappy in last 8 hours
Poor feeding in babies (less than half of their usual amount)
Irritable (Unable to settle them with toys, TV, food or hugs even after their fever has come down)
Is 3-6 months old with temperature 39^oC or above (unless fever in the 48 hours following vaccinations and no other red or amber features)
Temperature of 38^oC or above for more than 5 days or shivering with fever(rigors)
Temperature less than 36°C in those over 3 months
Getting worse and you are still worried

You need to contact a doctor or nurse today.

Please ring your GP surgery or contact NHS 111 - dial 111 or for children aged 5 years and above visit 111.nhs.uk

If none of the above features are present

Watch them closely for any change and look out for any red or amber symptoms
Additional advice is also available for families for help cope with crying in otherwise well babies
If your child has a long term condition or disability and you are worried please contact your regular team or follow any plans that they have given you.

Self care

Continue providing your child’s care at home. If you are still concerned about your child, contact NHS 111 – dial 111 or for children aged 5 years and above visit 111.nhs.uk

Causes of cough

Most cases of cough in children (under 5 years of age) are caused by viral infections; your child may also have a runny nose, cough or earache.

Treatment

Most children with coughs/colds do no require treatment with antibiotics. Antibiotics rarely speed up recovery and often cause side effects such as rash and diarrhoea. They will also promote the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria in your child.

What should you do?

Keep your child well hydrated by offering them lots to drink
Most children with coughs and colds do not require treatment with antibiotics.
If your child seems to be in pain or discomfort, you can give your child Paracetamol or Ibuprofen, following the instructions on the container.
Do not give cough syrup. It is not recommended for children under 6 years. It can make children sleepy and does not help.
Try using saline nose drops or spray if your baby has a blocked nose
For children over 2 years, vapour rubs (containing camphor, menthol and/or eucalyptus) may help children sleep better

How long will your child's symptoms last?

Coughs and colds can continue for weeks before they get better.
Over the winter, children are likely to get one viral infection after another, which can make you think that they are never well. Things will get better in the summer months.
Having a cough for 2 or 3 weeks does not mean that your child needs antibiotics
Children under 2 years of age with breathing difficulty may have bronchiolitis. This is a common condition that usually starts as a runny nose and cough, but their breathing may get worse over the next 2-3 days
If your child has noisy breathing, they might have croup. Click here for more information

Prevention

It is not always easy to avoid catching these infections. However, good hygiene practices can prevent infections spreading