Common Cold
Sneezing and coughing in babies may indicate a viral infection with viruses such as those that cause the common cold in older children (rhino virus). There are however many viruses that can cause similar symptoms (respiratory syncytial virus, Influenza,metapneumovirus). These symptoms can be a prelude to bronchiolitis in babies (see section on bronchiolitis) where infection spreads into the airways of the baby causing breathing difficulties. It is important to consider other conditions such as cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) when a baby presents with snuffles or mild respiratory conditions.