Suggest Treatment For Chest Congestion And Cough In Infant

Posted on Mon, 30 Mar 2015

Question: Hello Dr,

My daughter is 13months old and is suffering from chest congestion and cough. She has post nasal drip at nights and cough is very severe then. She had a severe attack of chest congestion, cold, cough and fever 3weeks back. She had completely lost her appetite and lost 600gms of weight. She fot better with antibiotics and cold and cough syrups. She also vomits because of cough. Looks like the same illness is repeating. She is again refusing to eat. I can hear a ghurr ghurr sound when she breathes. Im not sure if she's wheezing. Please help

Answered by Dr. Arun (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
could be wheezing

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing to us.
From your description I think there are two possibilities
A. Viral Bronchiolitis. This presents as cold cough and Wheezing.
B. Pneumonia. This also has crepitations on chest auscultation with xray features.
You need to consult your doctor again.
If needed x ray may be required.
Nebulisations and antibiotics may be required based upon the clinical and xray findings.
Bronchiolitis may take a week or two to settle and daily nebulisations will be helpful.
Pneumonia too may take a week to settle with antibiotics

Wishing your child good health.
Regards
Dr Arun

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Arun (21 minutes later)

She has also developed 102 defrees fever now. She is refusing any feed. Will hospitalization be required? She has been on nebulizer for a week. This was the last time she fell ill but it did not help at all.

Answered by Dr. Arun (1 minute later)

Brief Answer:
might require

Detailed Answer:
If already on nebulisations for a week with fever now and poor intake I think it is better to hospitalise.
Regards.
Dr Arun

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad