Is it just a common cold or something else?

Many children get coughs, colds and sniffles - especially in the colder months. Most of the time, these are harmless - and clear up on their own. But sometimes, ENT symptoms can point to more serious problems. So, how do you know when it’s just a cold, or when it’s something more? I’m Mo Anwar, a consultant ENT Surgeon working across west London, and in this video - I’ll explain what to watch for. If you have any more questions, you can find me at the Cromwell Hospital or the Syon Clinic in Brentford, and my contact details are at the end of this video. It’s completely normal for children to have 6 to 8 colds a year. These usually come with a runny nose, mild cough, sore throat, low-grade fever, and fatigue - and they often improve within five days. But there are signs that tell us it’s not just a cold. For example, if your child has a severe or persistent earache for more than 3 days, fluid coming from the ear, or problems with hearing or balance - these will need medical review. Frequent ear infections, or speech delays can suggest glue ear, or other issues. These may need special tests like ear examination, and hearing assessment. In such cases, an early assessment can prevent longer-term problems with development. When it comes to nasal symptoms, watch out for a blocked nose lasting over 10 days; thick green discharge; loud snoring; or persistent bad breath. These may be signs of sinusitis, or enlarged adenoids. For sore throats - if symptoms last over a week - or your child has swollen glands, difficulty swallowing, or white patches on the tonsils - don't ignore it. Recurrent tonsillitis could eventually need a tonsillectomy. Snoring now and then is normal during a cold. But loud snoring every night, or pauses in breathing and daytime tiredness can be signs of obstructive sleep apnoea. And this definitely needs checking. If your child isn’t improving, or if you’re concerned about their hearing, sleep, or speech—it’s best to see a specialist. The earlier we assess and treat ENT issues, the better the outcome for your child.