Childhood coughs and colds.

Causes, incidence and management of coughs and colds in children are discussed. In most cases consultation with a doctor and antibiotic therapy are unnecessary but health visitors and nurses have an important role in reassuring parents and advising them on management and relief of symptoms. When symptoms are frequent and persistent, the possibility of an underlying cause such as asthma should be considered. Parents should be advised to consult their doctor if a young baby with a cough or cold seems ill and is reluctant to feed, even if the baby does not have a raised temperature.