🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 75 (from laksa156)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa075.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.nhs.uk/baby/health/colds-coughs-and-ear-infections-in-children/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.nhs.uk/baby/health/colds-coughs-and-ear-infections-in-children/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/baby\/health\/colds-coughs-and-ear-infections-in-children\/","crawl_time":1776120034,"first_indexed_time":1745382644,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"uk,nhs,www!\/baby\/health\/colds-coughs-and-ear-infections-in-children\/ s443","src_root_hash":"11359509702434384875","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Colds, coughs and ear infections in children - NHS","meta_descriptions":["Read about symptoms of colds, sore throats, coughs and ear infections in babies and children under 5 – how to treat them and when to see a doctor."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Children's colds\nChildren have 5 to 8 colds a year on average.\nThis is because there are hundreds of different cold viruses and young children have no immunity to any of them as they have never had them before.\nThey gradually build up immunity and get fewer colds.\nMost colds in younger children get better within 2 weeks.\nHere are some suggestions for how to ease the symptoms in your child: \nMake sure your child drinks plenty of fluids.\nSaline nose drops can help loosen dried snot and relieve a stuffy nose. Ask a pharmacist, GP or health visitor about them.\nIf your child has a\nhigh temperature\nand seems distressed or has pain or discomfort, children's\nparacetamol\nor\nibuprofen\ncan help. Children with\nasthma\nmay not be able to take ibuprofen, so check with a pharmacist, GP or health visitor first. Always follow the instructions on the packet.\nEncourage the whole family to wash their hands regularly to stop the cold spreading.\nCough and cold remedies for children\nChildren under 6 should not have over-the-counter cough and cold remedies, including\ndecongestants\n, unless advised to by a GP or pharmacist.\nChildren's sore throats\nSore throats are often caused by viral illnesses such as colds or flu.\nYour child's throat may be dry and sore for a day or 2 when they have a cold. You can give them paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce the pain.\nMost \nsore throats\nget better on their own after a few days.\nSee a GP if your child has a sore throat for more than 3 days, a high temperature (or feels hot, cold or shivery) and is generally unwell.\nGo to A&E or call 999 immediately if they're unable to swallow fluids or saliva or have any difficulty breathing, as they'll need urgent treatment in hospital.\nFind your nearest A&E\nChildren's coughs\nChildren often cough when they have a cold because of mucus trickling down the back of the throat.\nIf your child is feeding, drinking, eating and breathing normally and there's no wheezing, a cough is not usually anything to worry about.\nAlthough it's upsetting to hear your child cough, coughing helps clear away phlegm from the chest or mucus from the back of the throat.\nIf your child is over the age of 1, they can try drinking a warm drink of lemon and honey.\nTo make hot lemon with honey at home, you need to:\nsqueeze half a lemon into a mug of boiled water\nadd 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey\ndrink while still warm (do not give hot drinks to small children)\nIf your child has had a cough that's lasted longer than 3 weeks, see a GP.\nIf your child's temperature is very high (or they feel hot, cold or shivery) they may have a chest infection. You should take them to a GP, or you can call 111. If they're 5 years old or over you can also\nget advice from 111 online\n.\nIf this is caused by bacteria rather than a virus, the GP will prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. Antibiotics will not soothe or stop the cough straight away.\nIf a cough continues for a long time, especially if it's worse at night or is brought on by your child running about, it could be a sign of\nasthma\n.\nTake them to a GP, who will be able to check if your child has asthma.\nGo to A&E or call 999 immediately if your child is finding it hard to breathe, as they'll need urgent treatment in hospital.\nFind your nearest A&E\nFind out more about coughs\nCroup\nA child with croup has a distinctive barking cough and will make a harsh sound, known as stridor, when they breathe in. \nThey may also have a runny nose, sore throat and high temperature.\nCroup can usually be diagnosed by a GP and treated at home.\nBut go to A&E or call 999 immediately if your child's symptoms are severe and they're finding it hard to breathe, as they'll need urgent treatment in hospital.\nFind your nearest A&E\nFind out more about croup\nChildren's ear infections\nEar infections are common in babies and small children. They often follow a cold and sometimes cause a\nhigh temperature\n.\nA baby or toddler may pull or rub at an ear. Other possible symptoms include a high temperature, irritability, crying, difficulty feeding, restlessness at night, and a cough.\nIf your child has earache, with or without a high temperature, you can give them paracetamol or ibuprofen at the recommended dose.\nTry one medicine first and, if it does not work, you can try giving the other one.\nYou should not give children paracetamol and ibuprofen at the same time unless advised to by a healthcare professional.\nDo not put any oil, eardrops or cotton buds into your child's ear, unless a GP advises you to do so.\nMost ear infections get better by themselves, usually within about 3 days. Take your child to a GP if they have earache that does not start to get better after 3 days.\nA GP might prescribe medicine, depending on what's causing the ear infection.\nAfter an ear infection, your child may have some hearing loss. See a GP if you think your child has hearing loss.\nTheir hearing should get better within a few weeks. But they may need treatment if hearing loss lasts for more than 3 months.\nFind out more about ear infections\nGlue ear in children\nRepeated middle ear infections (otitis media) may lead to glue ear (otitis media with effusion), where sticky fluid builds up and can affect your child's hearing. \nThis may lead to hearing loss, which is usually temporary.\nIf you smoke, your child is more likely to develop glue ear and will get better more slowly.\nA GP can give you advice on treating glue ear and can help you stop smoking.\nFind out more about how to stop smoking\nFind out more about glue ear\nVideo: How do I treat my child's cold? (9 to 30 months)\nThis video explains what to do if your child gets a cold.\nMedia last reviewed: 10 October 2023\nMedia review due: 10 October 2026","attrs_markdown":"\n\n[Skip to main content](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/baby\/health\/colds-coughs-and-ear-infections-in-children\/#maincontent)\n\n- [Health A to Z](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/health-a-to-z\/)\n- [NHS services](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/nhs-services\/)\n- [Healthy living](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/live-well\/)\n- [Mental health](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/mental-health\/)\n- [Care and support](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/social-care-and-support\/)\n- [Home](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/)\n- Browse More\n\n1. [Home](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/)\n2. [Baby](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/baby\/)\n3. [Health](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/baby\/health\/)\n\n[Back to Health](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/baby\/health\/)\n\n# Colds, coughs and ear infections in children\n## Children's colds\nChildren have 5 to 8 colds a year on average.\n\nThis is because there are hundreds of different cold viruses and young children have no immunity to any of them as they have never had them before.\n\nThey gradually build up immunity and get fewer colds.\n\nMost colds in younger children get better within 2 weeks.\n\nHere are some suggestions for how to ease the symptoms in your child:\n\n- Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids.\n- Saline nose drops can help loosen dried snot and relieve a stuffy nose. Ask a pharmacist, GP or health visitor about them.\n- If your child has a [high temperature](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/symptoms\/fever-in-children\/) and seems distressed or has pain or discomfort, children's [paracetamol](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/medicines\/paracetamol-for-children\/) or [ibuprofen](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/medicines\/ibuprofen-for-children\/) can help. Children with [asthma](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/asthma\/) may not be able to take ibuprofen, so check with a pharmacist, GP or health visitor first. Always follow the instructions on the packet.\n- Encourage the whole family to wash their hands regularly to stop the cold spreading.\n### Cough and cold remedies for children\nChildren under 6 should not have over-the-counter cough and cold remedies, including [decongestants](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/medicines\/decongestants\/), unless advised to by a GP or pharmacist.\n\n## Children's sore throats\nSore throats are often caused by viral illnesses such as colds or flu.\n\nYour child's throat may be dry and sore for a day or 2 when they have a cold. You can give them paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce the pain.\n\nMost [sore throats](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/symptoms\/sore-throat\/) get better on their own after a few days.\n\nSee a GP if your child has a sore throat for more than 3 days, a high temperature (or feels hot, cold or shivery) and is generally unwell.\n\nGo to A\\&E or call 999 immediately if they're unable to swallow fluids or saliva or have any difficulty breathing, as they'll need urgent treatment in hospital.\n\n[Find your nearest A\\&E](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/service-search\/find-an-accident-and-emergency-service\/)\n\n## Children's coughs\nChildren often cough when they have a cold because of mucus trickling down the back of the throat.\n\nIf your child is feeding, drinking, eating and breathing normally and there's no wheezing, a cough is not usually anything to worry about.\n\nAlthough it's upsetting to hear your child cough, coughing helps clear away phlegm from the chest or mucus from the back of the throat.\n\nIf your child is over the age of 1, they can try drinking a warm drink of lemon and honey.\n\nTo make hot lemon with honey at home, you need to:\n\n- squeeze half a lemon into a mug of boiled water\n- add 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey\n- drink while still warm (do not give hot drinks to small children)\n\nIf your child has had a cough that's lasted longer than 3 weeks, see a GP.\n\nIf your child's temperature is very high (or they feel hot, cold or shivery) they may have a chest infection. You should take them to a GP, or you can call 111. If they're 5 years old or over you can also [get advice from 111 online](https:\/\/111.nhs.uk\/triage\/check-your-symptoms).\n\nIf this is caused by bacteria rather than a virus, the GP will prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. Antibiotics will not soothe or stop the cough straight away.\n\nIf a cough continues for a long time, especially if it's worse at night or is brought on by your child running about, it could be a sign of [asthma](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/asthma\/).\n\nTake them to a GP, who will be able to check if your child has asthma.\n\nGo to A\\&E or call 999 immediately if your child is finding it hard to breathe, as they'll need urgent treatment in hospital.\n\n[Find your nearest A\\&E](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/service-search\/find-an-accident-and-emergency-service\/)\n\n[Find out more about coughs](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/symptoms\/cough\/)\n\n## Croup\nA child with croup has a distinctive barking cough and will make a harsh sound, known as stridor, when they breathe in.\n\nThey may also have a runny nose, sore throat and high temperature.\n\nCroup can usually be diagnosed by a GP and treated at home.\n\nBut go to A\\&E or call 999 immediately if your child's symptoms are severe and they're finding it hard to breathe, as they'll need urgent treatment in hospital.\n\n[Find your nearest A\\&E](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/service-search\/find-an-accident-and-emergency-service\/)\n\n[Find out more about croup](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/croup\/)\n\n## Children's ear infections\nEar infections are common in babies and small children. They often follow a cold and sometimes cause a [high temperature](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/symptoms\/fever-in-children\/).\n\nA baby or toddler may pull or rub at an ear. Other possible symptoms include a high temperature, irritability, crying, difficulty feeding, restlessness at night, and a cough.\n\nIf your child has earache, with or without a high temperature, you can give them paracetamol or ibuprofen at the recommended dose.\n\nTry one medicine first and, if it does not work, you can try giving the other one.\n\nYou should not give children paracetamol and ibuprofen at the same time unless advised to by a healthcare professional.\n\nDo not put any oil, eardrops or cotton buds into your child's ear, unless a GP advises you to do so.\n\nMost ear infections get better by themselves, usually within about 3 days. Take your child to a GP if they have earache that does not start to get better after 3 days.\n\nA GP might prescribe medicine, depending on what's causing the ear infection.\n\nAfter an ear infection, your child may have some hearing loss. See a GP if you think your child has hearing loss.\n\nTheir hearing should get better within a few weeks. But they may need treatment if hearing loss lasts for more than 3 months.\n\n[Find out more about ear infections](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/ear-infections\/)\n\n## Glue ear in children\nRepeated middle ear infections (otitis media) may lead to glue ear (otitis media with effusion), where sticky fluid builds up and can affect your child's hearing.\n\nThis may lead to hearing loss, which is usually temporary.\n\nIf you smoke, your child is more likely to develop glue ear and will get better more slowly.\n\nA GP can give you advice on treating glue ear and can help you stop smoking.\n\n[Find out more about how to stop smoking](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/live-well\/quit-smoking\/)\n\n[Find out more about glue ear](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/glue-ear\/)\n\n## Video: How do I treat my child's cold? (9 to 30 months)\nThis video explains what to do if your child gets a cold.\n\nMedia last reviewed: 10 October 2023  \n Media review due: 10 October 2026\n\n## More in [Health](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/baby\/health\/)\n- Colds, coughs and ear infections in children\n- [Constipation in children](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/baby\/health\/constipation-in-children\/)\n- [How to take your baby's temperature](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/baby\/health\/how-to-take-your-babys-temperature\/)\n- [Is your baby or toddler seriously ill?](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/baby\/health\/is-your-baby-or-toddler-seriously-ill\/)\n- [Looking after a sick child](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/baby\/health\/looking-after-a-sick-child\/)\n- [Leg and foot problems in children](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/baby\/health\/leg-and-foot-problems-in-children\/)\n- [Medicines for babies and children](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/baby\/health\/medicines-for-babies-and-children\/)\n- [Sleep and young children](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/baby\/health\/sleep-and-young-children\/)\n\nPage last reviewed: 21 May 2025   \n Next review due: 21 May 2028\n\n## Support links\n- [Home](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/)\n- [Health A to Z](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/health-a-to-z\/)\n- [NHS services](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/nhs-services\/)\n- [Healthy living](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/live-well\/)\n- [Mental health](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/mental-health\/)\n- [Care and support](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/social-care-and-support\/)\n- [COVID-19](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/covid-19\/)\n\n- [NHS App](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/nhs-app\/)\n- [Find my NHS number](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/nhs-services\/online-services\/find-nhs-number\/)\n- [View your GP health record](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/nhs-services\/gps\/view-your-gp-health-record\/)\n- [View your test results](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/nhs-services\/online-services\/view-your-test-results\/)\n- [About the NHS](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/using-the-nhs\/about-the-nhs\/)\n- [Healthcare abroad](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/using-the-nhs\/healthcare-abroad\/)\n\n- [Other NHS websites](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/nhs-sites\/)\n- [Profile editor login](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/our-policies\/profile-editor-login\/)\n\n- [About us](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/about-us\/)\n- [Report an issue with the NHS website](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/report-an-issue-with-the-nhs-website)\n- [Accessibility statement](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/accessibility-statement\/)\n- [Our policies](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/our-policies\/)\n- [Cookies](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/our-policies\/choose-your-cookie-settings\/)\n\n© Crown copyright","attrs_readable_markdown":"## Children's colds\nChildren have 5 to 8 colds a year on average.\n\nThis is because there are hundreds of different cold viruses and young children have no immunity to any of them as they have never had them before.\n\nThey gradually build up immunity and get fewer colds.\n\nMost colds in younger children get better within 2 weeks.\n\nHere are some suggestions for how to ease the symptoms in your child:\n\n- Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids.\n- Saline nose drops can help loosen dried snot and relieve a stuffy nose. Ask a pharmacist, GP or health visitor about them.\n- If your child has a [high temperature](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/symptoms\/fever-in-children\/) and seems distressed or has pain or discomfort, children's [paracetamol](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/medicines\/paracetamol-for-children\/) or [ibuprofen](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/medicines\/ibuprofen-for-children\/) can help. Children with [asthma](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/asthma\/) may not be able to take ibuprofen, so check with a pharmacist, GP or health visitor first. Always follow the instructions on the packet.\n- Encourage the whole family to wash their hands regularly to stop the cold spreading.\n### Cough and cold remedies for children\nChildren under 6 should not have over-the-counter cough and cold remedies, including [decongestants](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/medicines\/decongestants\/), unless advised to by a GP or pharmacist.\n\n## Children's sore throats\nSore throats are often caused by viral illnesses such as colds or flu.\n\nYour child's throat may be dry and sore for a day or 2 when they have a cold. You can give them paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce the pain.\n\nMost [sore throats](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/symptoms\/sore-throat\/) get better on their own after a few days.\n\nSee a GP if your child has a sore throat for more than 3 days, a high temperature (or feels hot, cold or shivery) and is generally unwell.\n\nGo to A\\&E or call 999 immediately if they're unable to swallow fluids or saliva or have any difficulty breathing, as they'll need urgent treatment in hospital.\n\n[Find your nearest A\\&E](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/service-search\/find-an-accident-and-emergency-service\/)\n\n## Children's coughs\nChildren often cough when they have a cold because of mucus trickling down the back of the throat.\n\nIf your child is feeding, drinking, eating and breathing normally and there's no wheezing, a cough is not usually anything to worry about.\n\nAlthough it's upsetting to hear your child cough, coughing helps clear away phlegm from the chest or mucus from the back of the throat.\n\nIf your child is over the age of 1, they can try drinking a warm drink of lemon and honey.\n\nTo make hot lemon with honey at home, you need to:\n\n- squeeze half a lemon into a mug of boiled water\n- add 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey\n- drink while still warm (do not give hot drinks to small children)\n\nIf your child has had a cough that's lasted longer than 3 weeks, see a GP.\n\nIf your child's temperature is very high (or they feel hot, cold or shivery) they may have a chest infection. You should take them to a GP, or you can call 111. If they're 5 years old or over you can also [get advice from 111 online](https:\/\/111.nhs.uk\/triage\/check-your-symptoms).\n\nIf this is caused by bacteria rather than a virus, the GP will prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. Antibiotics will not soothe or stop the cough straight away.\n\nIf a cough continues for a long time, especially if it's worse at night or is brought on by your child running about, it could be a sign of [asthma](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/asthma\/).\n\nTake them to a GP, who will be able to check if your child has asthma.\n\nGo to A\\&E or call 999 immediately if your child is finding it hard to breathe, as they'll need urgent treatment in hospital.\n\n[Find your nearest A\\&E](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/service-search\/find-an-accident-and-emergency-service\/)\n\n[Find out more about coughs](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/symptoms\/cough\/)\n\n## Croup\nA child with croup has a distinctive barking cough and will make a harsh sound, known as stridor, when they breathe in.\n\nThey may also have a runny nose, sore throat and high temperature.\n\nCroup can usually be diagnosed by a GP and treated at home.\n\nBut go to A\\&E or call 999 immediately if your child's symptoms are severe and they're finding it hard to breathe, as they'll need urgent treatment in hospital.\n\n[Find your nearest A\\&E](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/service-search\/find-an-accident-and-emergency-service\/)\n\n[Find out more about croup](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/croup\/)\n\n## Children's ear infections\nEar infections are common in babies and small children. They often follow a cold and sometimes cause a [high temperature](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/symptoms\/fever-in-children\/).\n\nA baby or toddler may pull or rub at an ear. Other possible symptoms include a high temperature, irritability, crying, difficulty feeding, restlessness at night, and a cough.\n\nIf your child has earache, with or without a high temperature, you can give them paracetamol or ibuprofen at the recommended dose.\n\nTry one medicine first and, if it does not work, you can try giving the other one.\n\nYou should not give children paracetamol and ibuprofen at the same time unless advised to by a healthcare professional.\n\nDo not put any oil, eardrops or cotton buds into your child's ear, unless a GP advises you to do so.\n\nMost ear infections get better by themselves, usually within about 3 days. Take your child to a GP if they have earache that does not start to get better after 3 days.\n\nA GP might prescribe medicine, depending on what's causing the ear infection.\n\nAfter an ear infection, your child may have some hearing loss. See a GP if you think your child has hearing loss.\n\nTheir hearing should get better within a few weeks. But they may need treatment if hearing loss lasts for more than 3 months.\n\n[Find out more about ear infections](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/ear-infections\/)\n\n## Glue ear in children\nRepeated middle ear infections (otitis media) may lead to glue ear (otitis media with effusion), where sticky fluid builds up and can affect your child's hearing.\n\nThis may lead to hearing loss, which is usually temporary.\n\nIf you smoke, your child is more likely to develop glue ear and will get better more slowly.\n\nA GP can give you advice on treating glue ear and can help you stop smoking.\n\n[Find out more about how to stop smoking](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/live-well\/quit-smoking\/)\n\n[Find out more about glue ear](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/glue-ear\/)\n\n## Video: How do I treat my child's cold? (9 to 30 months)\nThis video explains what to do if your child gets a cold.\n\nMedia last reviewed: 10 October 2023  \n Media review due: 10 October 2026","meta_canonical":null}

3. Robots.txt Check

Query:

Response:

4. Spam/Ban Check

Query:

Response:

5. Seen Status Check

ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled

📄

INDEXABLE

✅

CRAWLED

3 days ago

🤖

ROBOTS ALLOWED

Page Info Filters

Filter	Status	Condition	Details
HTTP status	PASS	`download_http_code = 200`	HTTP 200
Age cutoff	PASS	`download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH`	0.1 months ago
History drop	PASS	`isNull(history_drop_reason)`	No drop reason
Spam/ban	PASS	`fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0`	ml_spam_score=0
Canonical	PASS	`meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed`	Not set

Page Details

Property	Value
URL	https://www.nhs.uk/baby/health/colds-coughs-and-ear-infections-in-children/
Last Crawled	2026-04-13 22:40:34 (3 days ago)
First Indexed	2025-04-23 04:30:44 (11 months ago)
HTTP Status Code	200
Meta Title	Colds, coughs and ear infections in children - NHS
Meta Description	Read about symptoms of colds, sore throats, coughs and ear infections in babies and children under 5 – how to treat them and when to see a doctor.
Meta Canonical	null
Boilerpipe Text	Children's colds Children have 5 to 8 colds a year on average. This is because there are hundreds of different cold viruses and young children have no immunity to any of them as they have never had them before. They gradually build up immunity and get fewer colds. Most colds in younger children get better within 2 weeks. Here are some suggestions for how to ease the symptoms in your child: Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids. Saline nose drops can help loosen dried snot and relieve a stuffy nose. Ask a pharmacist, GP or health visitor about them. If your child has a high temperature and seems distressed or has pain or discomfort, children's paracetamol or ibuprofen can help. Children with asthma may not be able to take ibuprofen, so check with a pharmacist, GP or health visitor first. Always follow the instructions on the packet. Encourage the whole family to wash their hands regularly to stop the cold spreading. Cough and cold remedies for children Children under 6 should not have over-the-counter cough and cold remedies, including decongestants , unless advised to by a GP or pharmacist. Children's sore throats Sore throats are often caused by viral illnesses such as colds or flu. Your child's throat may be dry and sore for a day or 2 when they have a cold. You can give them paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce the pain. Most sore throats get better on their own after a few days. See a GP if your child has a sore throat for more than 3 days, a high temperature (or feels hot, cold or shivery) and is generally unwell. Go to A&E or call 999 immediately if they're unable to swallow fluids or saliva or have any difficulty breathing, as they'll need urgent treatment in hospital. Find your nearest A&E Children's coughs Children often cough when they have a cold because of mucus trickling down the back of the throat. If your child is feeding, drinking, eating and breathing normally and there's no wheezing, a cough is not usually anything to worry about. Although it's upsetting to hear your child cough, coughing helps clear away phlegm from the chest or mucus from the back of the throat. If your child is over the age of 1, they can try drinking a warm drink of lemon and honey. To make hot lemon with honey at home, you need to: squeeze half a lemon into a mug of boiled water add 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey drink while still warm (do not give hot drinks to small children) If your child has had a cough that's lasted longer than 3 weeks, see a GP. If your child's temperature is very high (or they feel hot, cold or shivery) they may have a chest infection. You should take them to a GP, or you can call 111. If they're 5 years old or over you can also get advice from 111 online . If this is caused by bacteria rather than a virus, the GP will prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. Antibiotics will not soothe or stop the cough straight away. If a cough continues for a long time, especially if it's worse at night or is brought on by your child running about, it could be a sign of asthma . Take them to a GP, who will be able to check if your child has asthma. Go to A&E or call 999 immediately if your child is finding it hard to breathe, as they'll need urgent treatment in hospital. Find your nearest A&E Find out more about coughs Croup A child with croup has a distinctive barking cough and will make a harsh sound, known as stridor, when they breathe in. They may also have a runny nose, sore throat and high temperature. Croup can usually be diagnosed by a GP and treated at home. But go to A&E or call 999 immediately if your child's symptoms are severe and they're finding it hard to breathe, as they'll need urgent treatment in hospital. Find your nearest A&E Find out more about croup Children's ear infections Ear infections are common in babies and small children. They often follow a cold and sometimes cause a high temperature . A baby or toddler may pull or rub at an ear. Other possible symptoms include a high temperature, irritability, crying, difficulty feeding, restlessness at night, and a cough. If your child has earache, with or without a high temperature, you can give them paracetamol or ibuprofen at the recommended dose. Try one medicine first and, if it does not work, you can try giving the other one. You should not give children paracetamol and ibuprofen at the same time unless advised to by a healthcare professional. Do not put any oil, eardrops or cotton buds into your child's ear, unless a GP advises you to do so. Most ear infections get better by themselves, usually within about 3 days. Take your child to a GP if they have earache that does not start to get better after 3 days. A GP might prescribe medicine, depending on what's causing the ear infection. After an ear infection, your child may have some hearing loss. See a GP if you think your child has hearing loss. Their hearing should get better within a few weeks. But they may need treatment if hearing loss lasts for more than 3 months. Find out more about ear infections Glue ear in children Repeated middle ear infections (otitis media) may lead to glue ear (otitis media with effusion), where sticky fluid builds up and can affect your child's hearing. This may lead to hearing loss, which is usually temporary. If you smoke, your child is more likely to develop glue ear and will get better more slowly. A GP can give you advice on treating glue ear and can help you stop smoking. Find out more about how to stop smoking Find out more about glue ear Video: How do I treat my child's cold? (9 to 30 months) This video explains what to do if your child gets a cold. Media last reviewed: 10 October 2023 Media review due: 10 October 2026
Markdown	[Skip to main content](https://www.nhs.uk/baby/health/colds-coughs-and-ear-infections-in-children/#maincontent) - [Health A to Z](https://www.nhs.uk/health-a-to-z/) - [NHS services](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/) - [Healthy living](https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/) - [Mental health](https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/) - [Care and support](https://www.nhs.uk/social-care-and-support/) - [Home](https://www.nhs.uk/) - Browse More 1. [Home](https://www.nhs.uk/) 2. [Baby](https://www.nhs.uk/baby/) 3. [Health](https://www.nhs.uk/baby/health/) [Back to Health](https://www.nhs.uk/baby/health/) # Colds, coughs and ear infections in children ## Children's colds Children have 5 to 8 colds a year on average. This is because there are hundreds of different cold viruses and young children have no immunity to any of them as they have never had them before. They gradually build up immunity and get fewer colds. Most colds in younger children get better within 2 weeks. Here are some suggestions for how to ease the symptoms in your child: - Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids. - Saline nose drops can help loosen dried snot and relieve a stuffy nose. Ask a pharmacist, GP or health visitor about them. - If your child has a [high temperature](https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/fever-in-children/) and seems distressed or has pain or discomfort, children's [paracetamol](https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/paracetamol-for-children/) or [ibuprofen](https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/ibuprofen-for-children/) can help. Children with [asthma](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/asthma/) may not be able to take ibuprofen, so check with a pharmacist, GP or health visitor first. Always follow the instructions on the packet. - Encourage the whole family to wash their hands regularly to stop the cold spreading. ### Cough and cold remedies for children Children under 6 should not have over-the-counter cough and cold remedies, including [decongestants](https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/decongestants/), unless advised to by a GP or pharmacist. ## Children's sore throats Sore throats are often caused by viral illnesses such as colds or flu. Your child's throat may be dry and sore for a day or 2 when they have a cold. You can give them paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce the pain. Most [sore throats](https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/sore-throat/) get better on their own after a few days. See a GP if your child has a sore throat for more than 3 days, a high temperature (or feels hot, cold or shivery) and is generally unwell. Go to A\&E or call 999 immediately if they're unable to swallow fluids or saliva or have any difficulty breathing, as they'll need urgent treatment in hospital. [Find your nearest A\&E](https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-an-accident-and-emergency-service/) ## Children's coughs Children often cough when they have a cold because of mucus trickling down the back of the throat. If your child is feeding, drinking, eating and breathing normally and there's no wheezing, a cough is not usually anything to worry about. Although it's upsetting to hear your child cough, coughing helps clear away phlegm from the chest or mucus from the back of the throat. If your child is over the age of 1, they can try drinking a warm drink of lemon and honey. To make hot lemon with honey at home, you need to: - squeeze half a lemon into a mug of boiled water - add 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey - drink while still warm (do not give hot drinks to small children) If your child has had a cough that's lasted longer than 3 weeks, see a GP. If your child's temperature is very high (or they feel hot, cold or shivery) they may have a chest infection. You should take them to a GP, or you can call 111. If they're 5 years old or over you can also [get advice from 111 online](https://111.nhs.uk/triage/check-your-symptoms). If this is caused by bacteria rather than a virus, the GP will prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. Antibiotics will not soothe or stop the cough straight away. If a cough continues for a long time, especially if it's worse at night or is brought on by your child running about, it could be a sign of [asthma](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/asthma/). Take them to a GP, who will be able to check if your child has asthma. Go to A\&E or call 999 immediately if your child is finding it hard to breathe, as they'll need urgent treatment in hospital. [Find your nearest A\&E](https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-an-accident-and-emergency-service/) [Find out more about coughs](https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/cough/) ## Croup A child with croup has a distinctive barking cough and will make a harsh sound, known as stridor, when they breathe in. They may also have a runny nose, sore throat and high temperature. Croup can usually be diagnosed by a GP and treated at home. But go to A\&E or call 999 immediately if your child's symptoms are severe and they're finding it hard to breathe, as they'll need urgent treatment in hospital. [Find your nearest A\&E](https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-an-accident-and-emergency-service/) [Find out more about croup](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/croup/) ## Children's ear infections Ear infections are common in babies and small children. They often follow a cold and sometimes cause a [high temperature](https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/fever-in-children/). A baby or toddler may pull or rub at an ear. Other possible symptoms include a high temperature, irritability, crying, difficulty feeding, restlessness at night, and a cough. If your child has earache, with or without a high temperature, you can give them paracetamol or ibuprofen at the recommended dose. Try one medicine first and, if it does not work, you can try giving the other one. You should not give children paracetamol and ibuprofen at the same time unless advised to by a healthcare professional. Do not put any oil, eardrops or cotton buds into your child's ear, unless a GP advises you to do so. Most ear infections get better by themselves, usually within about 3 days. Take your child to a GP if they have earache that does not start to get better after 3 days. A GP might prescribe medicine, depending on what's causing the ear infection. After an ear infection, your child may have some hearing loss. See a GP if you think your child has hearing loss. Their hearing should get better within a few weeks. But they may need treatment if hearing loss lasts for more than 3 months. [Find out more about ear infections](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ear-infections/) ## Glue ear in children Repeated middle ear infections (otitis media) may lead to glue ear (otitis media with effusion), where sticky fluid builds up and can affect your child's hearing. This may lead to hearing loss, which is usually temporary. If you smoke, your child is more likely to develop glue ear and will get better more slowly. A GP can give you advice on treating glue ear and can help you stop smoking. [Find out more about how to stop smoking](https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/quit-smoking/) [Find out more about glue ear](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/glue-ear/) ## Video: How do I treat my child's cold? (9 to 30 months) This video explains what to do if your child gets a cold. Media last reviewed: 10 October 2023 Media review due: 10 October 2026 ## More in [Health](https://www.nhs.uk/baby/health/) - Colds, coughs and ear infections in children - [Constipation in children](https://www.nhs.uk/baby/health/constipation-in-children/) - [How to take your baby's temperature](https://www.nhs.uk/baby/health/how-to-take-your-babys-temperature/) - [Is your baby or toddler seriously ill?](https://www.nhs.uk/baby/health/is-your-baby-or-toddler-seriously-ill/) - [Looking after a sick child](https://www.nhs.uk/baby/health/looking-after-a-sick-child/) - [Leg and foot problems in children](https://www.nhs.uk/baby/health/leg-and-foot-problems-in-children/) - [Medicines for babies and children](https://www.nhs.uk/baby/health/medicines-for-babies-and-children/) - [Sleep and young children](https://www.nhs.uk/baby/health/sleep-and-young-children/) Page last reviewed: 21 May 2025 Next review due: 21 May 2028 ## Support links - [Home](https://www.nhs.uk/) - [Health A to Z](https://www.nhs.uk/health-a-to-z/) - [NHS services](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/) - [Healthy living](https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/) - [Mental health](https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/) - [Care and support](https://www.nhs.uk/social-care-and-support/) - [COVID-19](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/covid-19/) - [NHS App](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/) - [Find my NHS number](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/online-services/find-nhs-number/) - [View your GP health record](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps/view-your-gp-health-record/) - [View your test results](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/online-services/view-your-test-results/) - [About the NHS](https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/about-the-nhs/) - [Healthcare abroad](https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/) - [Other NHS websites](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-sites/) - [Profile editor login](https://www.nhs.uk/our-policies/profile-editor-login/) - [About us](https://www.nhs.uk/about-us/) - [Report an issue with the NHS website](https://www.nhs.uk/report-an-issue-with-the-nhs-website) - [Accessibility statement](https://www.nhs.uk/accessibility-statement/) - [Our policies](https://www.nhs.uk/our-policies/) - [Cookies](https://www.nhs.uk/our-policies/choose-your-cookie-settings/) © Crown copyright
Readable Markdown	## Children's colds Children have 5 to 8 colds a year on average. This is because there are hundreds of different cold viruses and young children have no immunity to any of them as they have never had them before. They gradually build up immunity and get fewer colds. Most colds in younger children get better within 2 weeks. Here are some suggestions for how to ease the symptoms in your child: - Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids. - Saline nose drops can help loosen dried snot and relieve a stuffy nose. Ask a pharmacist, GP or health visitor about them. - If your child has a [high temperature](https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/fever-in-children/) and seems distressed or has pain or discomfort, children's [paracetamol](https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/paracetamol-for-children/) or [ibuprofen](https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/ibuprofen-for-children/) can help. Children with [asthma](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/asthma/) may not be able to take ibuprofen, so check with a pharmacist, GP or health visitor first. Always follow the instructions on the packet. - Encourage the whole family to wash their hands regularly to stop the cold spreading. ### Cough and cold remedies for children Children under 6 should not have over-the-counter cough and cold remedies, including [decongestants](https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/decongestants/), unless advised to by a GP or pharmacist. ## Children's sore throats Sore throats are often caused by viral illnesses such as colds or flu. Your child's throat may be dry and sore for a day or 2 when they have a cold. You can give them paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce the pain. Most [sore throats](https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/sore-throat/) get better on their own after a few days. See a GP if your child has a sore throat for more than 3 days, a high temperature (or feels hot, cold or shivery) and is generally unwell. Go to A\&E or call 999 immediately if they're unable to swallow fluids or saliva or have any difficulty breathing, as they'll need urgent treatment in hospital. [Find your nearest A\&E](https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-an-accident-and-emergency-service/) ## Children's coughs Children often cough when they have a cold because of mucus trickling down the back of the throat. If your child is feeding, drinking, eating and breathing normally and there's no wheezing, a cough is not usually anything to worry about. Although it's upsetting to hear your child cough, coughing helps clear away phlegm from the chest or mucus from the back of the throat. If your child is over the age of 1, they can try drinking a warm drink of lemon and honey. To make hot lemon with honey at home, you need to: - squeeze half a lemon into a mug of boiled water - add 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey - drink while still warm (do not give hot drinks to small children) If your child has had a cough that's lasted longer than 3 weeks, see a GP. If your child's temperature is very high (or they feel hot, cold or shivery) they may have a chest infection. You should take them to a GP, or you can call 111. If they're 5 years old or over you can also [get advice from 111 online](https://111.nhs.uk/triage/check-your-symptoms). If this is caused by bacteria rather than a virus, the GP will prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. Antibiotics will not soothe or stop the cough straight away. If a cough continues for a long time, especially if it's worse at night or is brought on by your child running about, it could be a sign of [asthma](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/asthma/). Take them to a GP, who will be able to check if your child has asthma. Go to A\&E or call 999 immediately if your child is finding it hard to breathe, as they'll need urgent treatment in hospital. [Find your nearest A\&E](https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-an-accident-and-emergency-service/) [Find out more about coughs](https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/cough/) ## Croup A child with croup has a distinctive barking cough and will make a harsh sound, known as stridor, when they breathe in. They may also have a runny nose, sore throat and high temperature. Croup can usually be diagnosed by a GP and treated at home. But go to A\&E or call 999 immediately if your child's symptoms are severe and they're finding it hard to breathe, as they'll need urgent treatment in hospital. [Find your nearest A\&E](https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-an-accident-and-emergency-service/) [Find out more about croup](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/croup/) ## Children's ear infections Ear infections are common in babies and small children. They often follow a cold and sometimes cause a [high temperature](https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/fever-in-children/). A baby or toddler may pull or rub at an ear. Other possible symptoms include a high temperature, irritability, crying, difficulty feeding, restlessness at night, and a cough. If your child has earache, with or without a high temperature, you can give them paracetamol or ibuprofen at the recommended dose. Try one medicine first and, if it does not work, you can try giving the other one. You should not give children paracetamol and ibuprofen at the same time unless advised to by a healthcare professional. Do not put any oil, eardrops or cotton buds into your child's ear, unless a GP advises you to do so. Most ear infections get better by themselves, usually within about 3 days. Take your child to a GP if they have earache that does not start to get better after 3 days. A GP might prescribe medicine, depending on what's causing the ear infection. After an ear infection, your child may have some hearing loss. See a GP if you think your child has hearing loss. Their hearing should get better within a few weeks. But they may need treatment if hearing loss lasts for more than 3 months. [Find out more about ear infections](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ear-infections/) ## Glue ear in children Repeated middle ear infections (otitis media) may lead to glue ear (otitis media with effusion), where sticky fluid builds up and can affect your child's hearing. This may lead to hearing loss, which is usually temporary. If you smoke, your child is more likely to develop glue ear and will get better more slowly. A GP can give you advice on treating glue ear and can help you stop smoking. [Find out more about how to stop smoking](https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/quit-smoking/) [Find out more about glue ear](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/glue-ear/) ## Video: How do I treat my child's cold? (9 to 30 months) This video explains what to do if your child gets a cold. Media last reviewed: 10 October 2023 Media review due: 10 October 2026
Shard	75 (laksa)
Root Hash	11359509702434384875
Unparsed URL	uk,nhs,www!/baby/health/colds-coughs-and-ear-infections-in-children/ s443