COLDS

COLDS
Colds are also called upper respiratory infections (URI). Most are caused by viruses. Viruses DO NOT respond to antibiotic treatment. Therefore symptomatic treatment is best.

Make sure your child is drinking plenty of fluids. Keep a cool mist vaporizer or humidifier going in the bedroom when they are sleeping. (Sometimes a decongestant or antihistamine (like Benadryl) can be helpful at nighttime.)

It is important to keep your baby's nose clear when eating and sleeping. Use the bulb suction you received at the hospital. Using saline nose drops can also help loosen the mucous. You can buy these in a pharmacy or make your own. Simply mix 1/4 tsp of table salt with 1 cup of warm water. Put several drops into each nostril before suctioning. The baby will not like this, but it truly helps keep the nose clear. These can be used as often as necessary.

Hundreds of Over-the-counter cough and cold medications are available. Generally, our philosophy is that during the day it is better to let the nose run, and the cough occur, as these are natural methods of clearing the mucous. At night, if the congestion is interrupting sleep, we recommend Benadryl, which tends to make children slightly drowsy, rather than using Sudafed, which often has a stimulant effect. In addition, if coughs are disrupting sleep, we recommend Delsym, a long-acting cough suppressant, which can be used safely with Benadryl.

If your child's symptoms are not improved in 10 days to 2 weeks, an appointment in our office would be advised. Also if your child develops a fever mid way through the cold, please contact our office. This may be a sign of a secondary infection, such as an ear infection.

The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional care.
You should consult your own physician or other health care provider for specific advice and treatment,
which advice and treatment will be based upon your individual facts and circumstances.