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How Can Cold And Chest Congestion Be Treated?
my baby has had a head cold for more than a week now. He was prescribed amoxicillin which he has been taking for 5 days now but he still has a cough that sounds like there is congestion in his chest. My mother said I should also be giving him an oral decongestant and expectorant for babies/children to help clear that up. What is your recommendation and if so type and brand
Wed, 19 Sep 2018
Hi,
I'm sorry to hear your baby has not been feeling well. It sounds to me like he has a viral infection, especially since antibiotics have not seemed to help. For viral infections, the cough and congestion may last up to 2 weeks, but should be improving after the first week.
Except for Tylenol, I would recommend not giving any over the counter medications like a decongestant and expectorant for children under the age of 6. Tylenol can be given if there's fever. If he has nasal congestion, I would recommend nasal suction and adequate hydration to help thin the secretions.
For the cough, if your baby is more than 1 year old, I would recommend honey mixed in with juice, usually 1 teaspoon, especially at night before bedtime. For babies less than 1 year old I would recommend only fluids to keep the baby well hydrated.
For children under the age of 6, other over the counter medications have not been shown to be helpful, and have dangerous side effects. It sounds like your baby's symptoms are normal for a cold, and I would let his body fight off the infection while safely helping with the other treatments I mentioned.
I hope that helps and that your baby is feeling better soon.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Aaron Branch, General & Family Physician
I'm sorry to hear your baby has not been feeling well. It sounds to me like he has a viral infection, especially since antibiotics have not seemed to help. For viral infections, the cough and congestion may last up to 2 weeks, but should be improving after the first week.
Except for Tylenol, I would recommend not giving any over the counter medications like a decongestant and expectorant for children under the age of 6. Tylenol can be given if there's fever. If he has nasal congestion, I would recommend nasal suction and adequate hydration to help thin the secretions.
For the cough, if your baby is more than 1 year old, I would recommend honey mixed in with juice, usually 1 teaspoon, especially at night before bedtime. For babies less than 1 year old I would recommend only fluids to keep the baby well hydrated.
For children under the age of 6, other over the counter medications have not been shown to be helpful, and have dangerous side effects. It sounds like your baby's symptoms are normal for a cold, and I would let his body fight off the infection while safely helping with the other treatments I mentioned.
I hope that helps and that your baby is feeling better soon.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Aaron Branch, General & Family Physician
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