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 areas such as the pharynx (upper throat), larynx (throat), trachea (main breathing tube) or large bronchi (breathing tubes in the lungs) are irritated.
If your child’s cough is accompanied by other symptoms such as a blocked nose, sore throat or fever, they may have a cold. Coughing is the body’s way of removing excess mucous that is typically produced during a cold.
Characteristics of your child’s cough can often give clues to its underlying cause. For example, whooping cough (pertussis) causes a cough that sounds like a “whoop”. If the cough sounds like hoarse or like a bark, it may be croup which may occur in children up to 2 years old. A wheezing sound could be caused by narrow airways as a result of asthma or a blockage. Coughs that occur seasonally may also be associated with asthma or allergic rhinitis.
Therefore, whilst coughs are usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection like a cold or flu, they could be the sign of something more serious, or may be caused by other medical conditions, so it’s important to get it checked out if you’re worried.
A sore throat is often visible as inflammation or redness at the back of the throat. The main parts of the throat that are usually affected are the pharynx (causing pharyngitis), the tonsils (causing tonsillitis), or the larynx (which contains the vocal cords and results in laryngitis).
Children often experience sore throats, particularly in their early school years and during autumn or winter. Your child’s sore throat may occur alongside other symptoms such as headache, difficulty swallowing and swollen glands. They might also feel ill, nauseous, and more tired than usual.
Sore throats can be caused by pollution, colds and flu, as well as allergy triggers, and dry air. Similar to a cough, the characteristics of the sore throat can give clues to its underlying cause. Common colds and flu can cause an inflamed throat where it hurts to swallow. Alternatively, a dry, tickly throat may have been irritated by dust, air conditioning or passive smoking. Talking or shouting can also result in a husky voice where it’s painful to talk.
For more information please contact your doctor.
RB-M-99606
First published: 25th May 2021
Last updated: 16th August 2025
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.
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