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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can Runny Nose And Cough In A Child Be Treated?

Hi. My son is 5 months old. He has a runny nose and productive cough. The other night, he woke up in his sleep coughing and also vomited. We went to see a family doctor today - his lungs are clear and ears are ok. She says that it may just be the common cold, and told us that a common cold & cough can last up to 6 weeks. Is that true?? I would think that if a cold last that long, that it most likely be bacterial at that point? And in that case, wouldn t my son need antibiotics? Would really appreciate a 2nd opinion on this. Thank you!
Wed, 19 Jul 2017
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Allergist and Immunologist,  's  Response
Hello,

Thank you for asking at HCM.

I went through your son's history and would like to make suggestions for him as follows:

1. As he has been examined by a doctor, that is very nice for him.

2. Yes, most of the colds and cough at this age are due to viral infection and they can last from 7 days to 8 weeks (2 months). So I would agree with your doctor.

3. As I mentioned, most of the infections are viral and they do not need antibiotics. Antibiotics are required only when bacterial infections are suspected.

Bacterial infection is best suspected from type of symptoms and sometimes with help of investigations. It is not correct that a long infection is due to bacteria.

4. As your son does not have significant fever, no pus from ears, lungs are clear, no effect on playfulness, I would not think of bacterial infection.

5. For such simple cold, I usually suggest my such patients saline drops to be instilled into nose frequently.

6. Antihistamines like hydroxyzine may help but not to be given unless suggested by your doctor who examined the child.

7. If he develops any new symptoms, please inform your family doctor.

Hope above suggestions will be helpful to you.

Should you have any further query, please feel free to ask at HCM.

Wish your son the best of the health ahead.

Thank you & Regards.
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How Can Runny Nose And Cough In A Child Be Treated?

Hello, Thank you for asking at HCM. I went through your son s history and would like to make suggestions for him as follows: 1. As he has been examined by a doctor, that is very nice for him. 2. Yes, most of the colds and cough at this age are due to viral infection and they can last from 7 days to 8 weeks (2 months). So I would agree with your doctor. 3. As I mentioned, most of the infections are viral and they do not need antibiotics. Antibiotics are required only when bacterial infections are suspected. Bacterial infection is best suspected from type of symptoms and sometimes with help of investigations. It is not correct that a long infection is due to bacteria. 4. As your son does not have significant fever, no pus from ears, lungs are clear, no effect on playfulness, I would not think of bacterial infection. 5. For such simple cold, I usually suggest my such patients saline drops to be instilled into nose frequently. 6. Antihistamines like hydroxyzine may help but not to be given unless suggested by your doctor who examined the child. 7. If he develops any new symptoms, please inform your family doctor. Hope above suggestions will be helpful to you. Should you have any further query, please feel free to ask at HCM. Wish your son the best of the health ahead. Thank you & Regards.