goodtoknow says: The average child will get between three and eight colds every year and most will get better within a few days without medication. Symptoms include a cough which is often worse at night, a runny nose, a sore throat and a fever. They may also be off their food and have mild earache. Colds are caused by viruses, so antibiotics won't work. Instead, treat with infant paracetamol, nose drops from the chemist and plenty of fluids. See your doctor if the cough lasts more than four weeks, or if they develop chest pains or wheeziness.

For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of coughs and colds from patient.co.uk, read on.

Coughs and colds are usually caused by a virus infection. They normally clear away on their own, and antibiotics are usually of no use. Paracetamol or ibuprofen may ease some of the symptoms. Make sure the child has enough to drink.

What causes coughs and colds and what are the symptoms?

Most coughs and colds are caused by viruses. Many different viruses can infect the nose and throat. They are passed on by coughing and sneezing the virus into the air. An average primary school child has 3-8 coughs or colds per year. Sometimes several coughs or colds occur one after the other. A child who lives with smokers has an increased risk of developing coughs and colds.

• The common symptoms are a cough and a runny nose. The cough is often worse at night. Coughing does not damage the lungs. A coughing child will not choke or stop breathing.
• In addition, a child may have: a raised temperature (fever), a sore throat, headache, tiredness, and be off their food. Sometimes children vomit after a bout of coughing.
• A build up of mucus behind the eardrums may cause dulled hearing or mild earache.

- What are the treatments for coughs and colds?

- Read the facts about croup
- Coping with your toddler's coughs and colds
- More on your toddler's health and wellbeing
- More on your schoolchild's health and wellbeing

• Next: What are the treatments for coughs and colds?

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