How Can Constant Runny Nose And Cough In A Child Be Completely Cured?

Posted on Thu, 22 Mar 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 22 Mar 2018 Answered on

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi Doctor,
My daughter is 15 months old and was having fever and cough and runny nose. We had taken her to doctor and he suggested Calpol drops (SOS) and Ambrolite S (2.5 ml thrice for 5 days) and Cetzine (5 ml once a day) for 5 days.

Now, 5 days are over and she is not having fever but, runny nose and cough is still there. What shall we do? Please suggest.

Regards,
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Give cetirizine and steam inhalation.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Most often such symptoms are due to viral infections and antibiotics are ineffective in such cases. Irrespective of treatment it usually spontaneously resolves in 5-7 days. Since such infections usually have an allergic component responsible for runny nose, it is advisable to continue an antiallergic like cetirizine.

You need to give steam inhalation to your child. It helps in reducing the cough. Just sit with your child on your lap and place the source of steam before you. The water vapor will be in the air and automatically the child will breathe it in. Water vapor will reach deep inside and would help in diluting the cough and thus would provide relief. Use Nasoclear Saline Nasal Drops in case of nose block.

Please be patient. It would soon be fine.

Hope I have answered your query.

Regards,
Dr. Diptanshu Das, Pediatrician

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy