Children get six to eight colds a year – twice as many as adults – but there’s little evidence on what helps improve symptoms like blocked or runny noses and sneezing.
Pharmacies and supermarkets are full of cough and cold medicines which claim to relieve symptoms of the common cold.
But there is little evidence that many of them work, according to a BMJ review of trials on over-the-counter treatments.
And some, like decongestants, are not suitable for babies, children or pregnant women.
The common cold can cause a sore throat, cough, congestion, a raised temperature and sneezing – all irritating symptoms – but after a week or so they should go away on their own.
The truth is there is no magic cure.
Dr Rahul Chodhari, consultant paediatrician and spokesman for the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, says parents should try using saline nasal washes, also called nasal irrigation.
They can be bought over the counter in the form of drops or sprays.
The saltwater solution helps to clear the mucus from the nose and reduces the feeling of congestion.
“There are no side effects, it can be used many times a day and it’s well proven to reduce swelling around the nose,” Dr Chodhari says.
Apart from that, Calpol is useful for treating a fever – but it doesn’t help relieve a blocked nose.
