My 12-year-old has had cold symptoms for a few days - coughing, congestion, etc. Now at times she says her chest hurts and it is very difficult to breathe; not due to congestion but because of tightness in her chest. She is healthy, has been eating decently (for someone with a cold) and is of good weight.
Hi, Welcome to Chat Doctor, If she is healthy otherwise and eating well with no fever, then it can be something like allergic bronchitis. The discomfort in chest is due to recurrent coughing which is a usual possibility in this age group child Chat Doctor.  You need to get this cough treated. Her chest needs to be examined for any for abnormal respiratory sounds, only then a proper medication can be decided. As of now at home you can give her steam inhalation, plenty of warm water to