There are various reasons why a child may have a stuffed‑up or runny nose: crying, environmental factors (e.g., heat, humidity, dust, animal hair, tobacco smoke), or colds or other infections.
Coughing is a defence mechanism. It’s the body’s way of getting rid of mucus. For example, children may cough when they have a respiratory infection such as a cold or flu.
If your child has a sore throat, she may eat and drink less. She may drool more or have a hoarse voice. So long as she is able to breathe easily, it’s not serious.
Ear infections do not always require medical treatment. However, if your child is unwell or irritable, there are medications that may help.
When children have diarrhea, their stools change from what is normal for them: Bowel movements are more frequent and more liquid than usual. Most diarrhea is caused by germs, like viruses.