Pediatric colds, also known as acute upper respiratory infections, exhibit symptoms that can be categorized into local and systemic symptoms. Local symptoms include nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, mild coughing, discomfort in the throat, and sore throat. Systemic symptoms primarily consist of overall weakness, fever, reduced appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and generalized aches.

In infants and toddlers, local symptoms are generally not as pronounced, while systemic symptoms tend to be more severe. For some children aged six months to three years, colds accompanied by fever can also lead to febrile convulsions. In older children, local symptoms are usually more prominent, while systemic symptoms are milder. Regarding this type of acute upper respiratory infection, there are two common specific types in children: herpangina and pharyngoconjunctival fever.