HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Runny Nose, Cough And Sneezing?

default
Posted on Sat, 10 May 2014
Question: Hi, my 5 months old baby is sneezing often and has runny nose sometimes coughing n . She is either crying or moaning often (she never used to be like that) not sure if she has cold or its an allergy. Sometimes her eyes goes red. Not sleeping well like before. Not sure if red eye due to lack of sleep. We are trying apple puree for past 2 days for her. Is tat the reason for cold? Can she sleep in ac room? Last week we came to singapore from india. location change cause this issue? Attached the medicine pic which doctor prescribed when she had little runny nose last month. Please let me know if i can give this medicine or crocin now.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (1 hour later)
Brief Answer: Its upper respiratory tract infection Detailed Answer: Namasthe Welcome to Healthcare-Magic Greetings of the day Dear Mr XXXXXXX Weather change, upper respiratory tract infection could be the predisposing factors. She can be kept in ac but make sure she should be covered well or swaddled well. Upper respiratory tract infection is quite common in infants and there is no cause for concer. No antibiotics or specific medicine required. The medicine prescribed to baby is combination of Cetrizine( which is an antihistaminic and helps in relieving nasal congestion) and Montelukast ( its a mast cell stabilizer and helps in preventing attack of allergic rhinitis/bronchitis or asthma, its less beneficial during acute attack). I would advise you the following 1. Keep the baby warm: Best thing will be continue breast feeding, it will keep the baby warm also. Its Kangaroo method of care, babies who continue to breast feed recover earlier 2. Nasoclear Nasal drops( 2 drops in each nostril four times a day): It will help keep the nose clear 3. Go slow on weaning diet 4. Lack of sleep may be cause of eye congestion 5. Swaddle the baby in a cotton cloth and telling lullabay to baby will comfot the baby and put her to sleep. I would also share a home based clinical assessment of baby which can be done by parents Namasthe Welcome to Healthcare-Magic Greetings of the day Any child who presents with respiratory infection , i rule out lower respiratory infection by thoroughly examining the child. It can be easily be assessed in children in the following way even by parents 1. Respiratory symptoms like running nose, cough, wheezing, fever in the presence of normal respiratory rate, accepting feeds well , sleeping well, no chest retraction----- It is simple Upper respiratory infection 2. If the child has additional symptoms like Rapid respiratory rate, chest retraction, refusal of feeds, high grade fever(>103 F ), bluish discolouration of lips------- In presence of any of these symptoms and signs its categorized as lower respiratory tract infection. Its common to see children having 2- 3 episodes of respiratory infection every year. A good assesement by parents them-self will be very reassuring to them. I instruct the parents to look for danger signs like 1. Respiratory rate: Count the respiratory rate for one minute-- it can be done by observing the movement of exposed chest, every expansion of chest counted as one respiration. These are the normal values in children >>>>Upto 2 months of age < 60/minute >>>> 2 months to 1 year < 50/minute >>>> above 1 year to 10 years < 40/minute Respiratory rate above these values denotes Pneumonia or Lower respiratory tract infection 2. Bluish discolouration of lips, refusal of feeds, retraction of chest or indrawing of chest at time of inspiration, high grade fever Presence of any of symptoms, i suggest the parents to consult the Pediatrician at earliest Simple Upper respiratory tract infection respond to symptomatic treatment. Saline Nebulization is very much beneficial. In case you need any further assistance, will be glad to assist you. Wishing you happy and healthy life Take Care Best Regards Dr Deepak Kishore MBBS,MS,MCH Consultant Pediatric Surgeon
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari

General Surgeon

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 3195 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Runny Nose, Cough And Sneezing?

Brief Answer: Its upper respiratory tract infection Detailed Answer: Namasthe Welcome to Healthcare-Magic Greetings of the day Dear Mr XXXXXXX Weather change, upper respiratory tract infection could be the predisposing factors. She can be kept in ac but make sure she should be covered well or swaddled well. Upper respiratory tract infection is quite common in infants and there is no cause for concer. No antibiotics or specific medicine required. The medicine prescribed to baby is combination of Cetrizine( which is an antihistaminic and helps in relieving nasal congestion) and Montelukast ( its a mast cell stabilizer and helps in preventing attack of allergic rhinitis/bronchitis or asthma, its less beneficial during acute attack). I would advise you the following 1. Keep the baby warm: Best thing will be continue breast feeding, it will keep the baby warm also. Its Kangaroo method of care, babies who continue to breast feed recover earlier 2. Nasoclear Nasal drops( 2 drops in each nostril four times a day): It will help keep the nose clear 3. Go slow on weaning diet 4. Lack of sleep may be cause of eye congestion 5. Swaddle the baby in a cotton cloth and telling lullabay to baby will comfot the baby and put her to sleep. I would also share a home based clinical assessment of baby which can be done by parents Namasthe Welcome to Healthcare-Magic Greetings of the day Any child who presents with respiratory infection , i rule out lower respiratory infection by thoroughly examining the child. It can be easily be assessed in children in the following way even by parents 1. Respiratory symptoms like running nose, cough, wheezing, fever in the presence of normal respiratory rate, accepting feeds well , sleeping well, no chest retraction----- It is simple Upper respiratory infection 2. If the child has additional symptoms like Rapid respiratory rate, chest retraction, refusal of feeds, high grade fever(>103 F ), bluish discolouration of lips------- In presence of any of these symptoms and signs its categorized as lower respiratory tract infection. Its common to see children having 2- 3 episodes of respiratory infection every year. A good assesement by parents them-self will be very reassuring to them. I instruct the parents to look for danger signs like 1. Respiratory rate: Count the respiratory rate for one minute-- it can be done by observing the movement of exposed chest, every expansion of chest counted as one respiration. These are the normal values in children >>>>Upto 2 months of age < 60/minute >>>> 2 months to 1 year < 50/minute >>>> above 1 year to 10 years < 40/minute Respiratory rate above these values denotes Pneumonia or Lower respiratory tract infection 2. Bluish discolouration of lips, refusal of feeds, retraction of chest or indrawing of chest at time of inspiration, high grade fever Presence of any of symptoms, i suggest the parents to consult the Pediatrician at earliest Simple Upper respiratory tract infection respond to symptomatic treatment. Saline Nebulization is very much beneficial. In case you need any further assistance, will be glad to assist you. Wishing you happy and healthy life Take Care Best Regards Dr Deepak Kishore MBBS,MS,MCH Consultant Pediatric Surgeon