Suggest Remedy For Cold, Cough And Chest Congestion In An Infant

Posted on Mon, 14 Dec 2015

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

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 Answered on

Tue, 5 Jan 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : My three year four months old daughter has a heady cold, thick mucus and cough (only at night phlegm) - what medicine can i give her for relief ? She has had this for more than one week.

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Cetirizine syrup and steam inhalation will provide relief

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

Most often respiratory tract infections in children occur due to viral infections. Usually it resolves in a week although sometimes it may take slightly longer.

You need to count the number of breaths she takes in a minute. If the respiratory rate is less than 50/mins, you can assume that she does not require antibiotics. In such a case all you need to do is to give cetirizine syrup once daily for a few days, as well as steam inhalation. Water in the form of vapor reaches deep inside the airways and helps in diluting the thick mucus/cough and thereby provides relief. Be sure to give it a few times a day.

I am sure that with these interventions she would soon be fine back again.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Diptanshu Das (30 minutes later)

Thanks. Her breath is around 26 per min. Is there anything i can give her for cough? Will give cetrizine. She is 3.4 years old and 13 kilos- shall i give her 2.5
Ml?

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Steam is the solution to look for

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back.

The respiratory rate is fine and you need not worry. Steam inhalation is best for cough. 2.5 ml of cetirizine once daily should be right to be given to her.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar