Coughs and sore throat Dr Trisha Macnair Coughs and sore throats are among the most common childhood health complaints. We look at the various types, their symptoms and how they should be treated.

In this article

What are they? What causes them?

What are the symptoms? What's the treatment?

A cough is a sign that nerves in the pharynx (upper throat), larynx (throat), trachea (main breathing tube) or large bronchi (breathing tubes in the lungs) are irritated.

A sore throat, also known as pharyngitis, is visible as inflammation or redness of the tissues, sometimes with yellowish/white pus on the tonsils.

The most common cause of a cough in childhood is an upper respiratory tract infection, usually viral (such as the common cold), but it can be bacterial.

More serious infections include croup (viral laryngotracheitis), bronchiolitis, whooping cough and pneumonia.

It's not unusual for a child to have a recurrent cough due to repeated infections, but this can also be a sign of an underlying problem, such as asthma, allergies, gastro-oesophageal reflux or cystic fibrosis.

Occasionally, a cough may be due to inhalation of a foreign body, such as a small toy or peanut.

Sore throats are usually caused by a viral infections, although as children get older a bacteria called beta-haemolytic streptococcus becomes more common.

The symptoms of a cough depend on the type. For example, viral croup typically causes a barking cough with rapid and harsh breathing.

In whooping cough, there's a characteristic spasmodic cough followed by a whooping noise as the child draws in breath.

Coughs associated with asthma are often worse at night or on breathing cold air. Associated symptoms may include fast or noisy breathing, fever, vomiting (especially in small children), a stuffy nose and other symptoms of a cold.

The symptoms of a sore throat include pain, especially on swallowing, sore swollen glands in the neck and drooling of saliva.

Treating a cough depends on the cause. Give plenty of liquids, and cough medicine if you think this helps. Humidify the room to help breathing - by placing a wet towel in front of the radiator, for example.

Simple painkillers and plenty of cold drinks, ice cream and jelly can help to soothe a sore throat. Older children may use throat lozenges or gargles.

For both a cough and sore throat, it's important to get medical advice and a diagnosis early, especially if the child has a fever or is generally unwell, or if the cough is recurrent. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infection.

Get immediate medical help if your child isn't breathing properly, can't talk, looks blue around the lips or becomes drowsy.

This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Rob Hicks in January 2008