The most common symptoms your child may experience include runny nose, sore throat and feeling unwell. Other symptoms include:

1. Eye watering or crusting
2. Sneezing
3. Fever
4. Headache
5. Drowsiness or fatigue
6. Nausea or vomiting
7. Earache or impaired hearing due to build-up of mucus behind the eardrums

The majority of coughs and colds are caused by viruses, which are spread through the air through coughing and sneezing. In a typical year, children get roughly 8-10 colds or coughs. After a cold has passed, a cough can linger for 2-4 weeks. Colds and coughs that recur or continue may be caused by a variety of conditions, including:

1. Allergies
2. Asthma
3. Postnasal drip
4. Chronic sinusitis due to structural problems causing poor drainage of the sinuses
5. Smoke, dust or other irritants in the environment
6. Bronchitis
7. Pneumonia
8. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
9. Serious conditions such as cystic fibrosis, tuberculosis or cancer

1. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Adequate rest and fluid (preferably water) consumption may help your child’s body to fight off viruses. Your doctor may prescribe certain medications to ease your child’s symptoms. Useful treatments include:
   1. Saline nasal drops
   2. Humidifiers or steam inhalation
   3. Fever-controlling medication
   4. Application of vapour rubs to your child’s chest and back
   5. Zinc supplements to reduce the length and severity of cold
   6. Vitamin C and D to lessen the duration and degree of overall symptoms
   7. Cough drops (menthol or other medicated lozenges)