What Are The Dos And Don'ts Of Taking Care Of A Common Cold In An Infant?

Posted on Wed, 6 Jun 2018

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

Wed, 6 Jun 2018 Answered on

Fri, 22 Jan 2021 Last reviewed on

Question : hi Doc my seven month old baby gurl is having the first cold of her life.... she has a runny nose, but no fever, hence i m not panicking .i understand cold will take its course. Not giving her medicines or vaporubs.. giving her steam, nasal spray and oil massgae. she is on solids and breastfeed....and is a healthy active baby otherwsie with weight of 8.3kg what are my DOs n DONTs and when shud i consult a doc ?

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Suggestions on common cold

Detailed Answer:
Hi...Thank you for consulting in here.
Cough and cold are viral 95% of the times in children. For cold you can use anti-allergic like cetirizine and for nose block, saline nasal decongestants will do.
But as she is comfortable - you don't even need Cetrizen.
Dont's -
1. Steam inhalation.
2. Rubbing of camphor or camphor containing compounds over the torso.
3. Giving paracetamol for temperature less than 100F

Danger symptoms -
1. Rapid breathing and fast breathing with rate > 50 per minute
2. Intercostal retractions.
3. Nasal flaring
4. Grunting
5. Poor feeding
6. High grade fever more than 102F

I wish your kid a speedy recovery. If you need any future medical consultation and suggestions, I will be glad to help.

Best regards - Dr Sumanth Amperayani

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