Children’s coughs and colds
Coughs and colds are extremely common in young children. But did you know that coughing is the body’s natural way of clearing an infection?
Having green snot or a noisy chest does not mean that your child has an infection requiring antibiotics. Most of these infections are likely to be caused by a virus, which means that antibiotics are of no benefit and may result in side effects such as rash and diarrhoea.
It can sometimes be harder to identify the cause of a cough. In general, if it is associated with a runny nose, red eyes, ear pain or a wheeze, it is far more likely to be viral infection. Noisy/Rattley chests are also common in young children with viral infections.
For health advice about your child, go to the Black Country 0-18 years website at https://www.blackcountry0-18.nhs.uk/parentscarers/worried-your-child-unwell/cough-and-cold
Your local pharmacy can provide free advice about coughs and colds. If the pharmacist agrees that medicines are needed, they will be provided free of charge for those who get free prescriptions. Find out which pharmacies are participating in the Pharmacy First scheme and what common conditions are included.
