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Suggest Treatment For Stuffy Nose And Cough

Posted on Tue, 13 Jan 2015

Question: My 7 year old has a cold. He started getting a little stuffy 14 days ago. I think he was pretty much over that one and has now caught something else. No fever he is running around playing. I hate to take him in during cold and flu season when I know they will say he just has a cold. My question is if he just has a stuffy nose and cough should I give sudafed? He is allergic to antibiotics so I really need to knock it out. Thanks

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Acute sinusitis with or without bronchitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query. I do understand your concern; I will try my best to help you with this.

The history described by you is suggestive of acute sinusitis with or without bronchitis. If there is running nose, Sudafed will definitely help him. But, when associated with thick discharge, a mucolytic such as ambroxol or bromhexine is more beneficial in relieving the secretions and cough.

You can try using saline nasal spray. Saline spray relieves the nasal congestion and also reduces his cough. Continue to help him with steam inhalation. Give him plenty of warm water to drink. Change his pillow cover every night before going to bed. Even with the above measures if he is not getting better, I would suggest you to seek medical assistance.

Hope I have answered your query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (23 minutes later)

Is that like mucinex? I have never seen that I'm the U.S do you know what it is called here? I read that it increases surfactant that caught my eye because when he was born he had a surfactant defeciency. Could this be why it takes him so long to get over colds? He doesn't have asthma or histotory or bronchitis or anything. He just takes 3 or 4 weeks to kick a cold. He had ear infections when he was young then last year he had strep 3 times. This is only the 2nd cold though since the end of January last year. Thanks

Oh I did give him 1 sudafed (4-6 hour) at 8:30 this morning. Please tell me what medication to get and when I should give it since I messed up and gave him the sudafed. Thank you very much

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Surfactant is not related to the upper respiratory tract...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back

Yes, it’s something like Mucinex (guaifenesin), but, better and safer than the former. Ambroxol and Bromhexine are available worldwide and come under various brand names. Online consultation doesn't permit me to use brand names as it amounts to endorsement of these products.

Thank God, the kid doesn't have any lung relate issues. Surfactant is beneficial in reducing the chronic lung infections and it is not related to the upper respiratory tract.

The child could be having allergy related issues, probably, seasonal allergy. Appropriate medication if started in the initial stages, can reduce the duration of the ailment.

Hope this clears your doubts. I wish your child good health. God bless him.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj