What Causes Cold And Cough Along With Fever In Children?

Posted on Fri, 27 Mar 2015

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

Fri, 27 Mar 2015 Answered on

Thu, 16 Apr 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : My 13 year old has had a cough for over a week now and the last two nights he's had a fever of 100. The cough tonight is more of a rattle. He's been drinking fluids but not eating much. He also is non-verbal so isn't able to tell me with words what he's feeling. He was up and moving around during the day but looked tired. I figured it was viral bronchitis and plan to treat him at home with fluids, rest and elevation to sleep. But tonight I'm starting to get concerned it may be bacterial. What are the signs? On past nights I had given him Benedryl but realize that may not be a good plan if his lungs need to clear what's in them. Thank you for your time.

Answered by Dr. Arun (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
could be bacterial

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing to us.
Usually at this age cold and cough is viral in nature.
But usually it settles in a week if viral.
In your child I think it could be a secondary bacterial infection superimposed on a primary viral.
The reasons I am saying is because he has developed fever after a week of cough which indicates new infection usually bacterial.
The other signs could include fast breathing tiredness poor intake etc.
I suggest you take him to your doctor and get his ears throat and chest examined.
If any infection is identified he might need a course of antibiotics like amoxicillin.
Ensure you give plenty of liquids.
Wishing your child good health.
Regards
Dr Arun

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

Follow up: Dr. Arun (4 minutes later)

Thank you. That was my thought as well. A fever after a week didn't sound normal. Would there be any reason to have him seen before the morning? He's never had a cough like this before. My sense is as long as he's resting and doesn't seem distressed when breathing and the fever doesn't spike then it can wait until morning. Is this a reasonable assessment? I'm not sure I'll sleep much at all tonight but if he sleeps, that will be good.

Answered by Dr. Arun (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
yes that is fine

Detailed Answer:
Yes that's a fine assessment.
You can wait till the morning.
Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Arun (1 hour later)

Would it be okay to give him Benedryl to dry him up a bit? All the congestion has activated his reflux which is making it more challenging for him to lie down. Or does he need to be as wet a possible to keep things moving?

Answered by Dr. Arun (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
no benadryl

Detailed Answer:
Avoid benadryl.
You need to keep things moving
Ambroxol can be tried to loosen up secretions.
Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Arun (58 minutes later)

So he is now up and moving around at 3am and coughing which sounds productive like stuff is breaking up and trying to come up. Anytime he lies down he starts to rattle and cough. It's not spasms, just low, deep coughs that sounds like stuff breaking up. Is this the natural progression and a good sign or a sign that he's declining? I could wake my husband and ask him to go get the Ambroxol. Do you think that would help him make it through the rest of the night with more ease?
Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Arun (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
not required immediately

Detailed Answer:
There is no emergency.
You can wait till morning if there is no distress.
It looks like secretions breaking up which is a good sign but only on examination we can rule out bacterial infection.
Regards

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