Your child’s coughs and sore throats

Coughs and sore throats are two of the most common childhood complaints. It’s likely that your child will get one, or both at some point.

Learn more about coughs and sore throats, why your child gets them, and advice on relieving these symptoms.

A cough is a healthy and important reflex that helps protect the airways in the throat and chest. Your child coughs when nerves in the pharynx (upper throat), larynx (throat), trachea (main breathing tube) or large bronchi (breathing tubes in the lungs) are irritated.

Coughs are usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection like a cold or flu. But it may be the sign of something more serious, like croup, bronchiolitis, whooping cough, and pneumonia – so it’s important to get it checked out if you’re worried. Other reasons for coughs developing include asthma, allergies, gastro-oesophageal reflux or cystic fibrosis.

A sore throat (pharyngitis) is visible as inflammation or redness of the tissues. The main parts of the throat that are usually affected are the back of the throat, the tonsils or the larynx (the part of the throat that contains the vocal cords).

Sore throats can be caused by tonsillitis and other viral illnesses, such as chicken pox, measles and mumps.

• Give your child food and keep them hydrated
• Humidify the room to help with breathing
• Pain relievers like Nurofen for Children can help soothe the pains of colds, flu and sore throats
• Don’t give cough medicines to children under 6 years
• For children over 6 years, over-the-counter cough medicines such as throat lozenges may help

For more information please contact your local GP.

Always read the label. Use only as directed. Incorrect use could be harmful. If symptoms persist consult your healthcare professional. Do not give to babies under 3 months of age. Seek medical advice for children under 12 months of age.

All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. In all health related matters please contact your doctor.

This information is general in nature and not intended as a substitute for medical advice.

Always rely on your doctor for diagnosis and seek his or her advice if your or your child’s symptoms persist.

We are committed to keeping personal information secure. Click here to see our privacy policy.

This article is for general information only and not intended as a substitute for medical advice. All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. In all health related matters, always consult your healthcare professional.

Always read the label. Use only as directed. Incorrect use could be harmful. If symptoms persist consult your healthcare professional.