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What Causes Runny Nose, Cough, Fever And Loss Of Appetite In A Child?
Question: Baby, 16 months, went to the doctor Tuesday for runny nose, cough. Doctor said it was just a cold, no antibiotics. He hasn't eaten much, had tummy problems the last couple of days, no bowel movement today. He is now shaking, has a bit of fever, not sleeping coughing more persistent. Been taking over the counter cough/cold. Worried it has progressed to something more serious....should I take him to the emergency room?
Brief Answer:
Unlikely to be serious
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
I have gone carefully through the details and understand your concern. Most often such symptoms are due to viral infections and antibiotics are ineffective in such cases. Antibiotics would not help and irrespective of treatment it usually spontaneously resolves in 5-7 days.
Often such viral infections manifest with fever. If your child is otherwise active and playful, I would not be concerned. If not, it would be a good idea to visit a doctor and to get the child evaluated.
If your child has fever with temperature more than 100°F, you need to give paracetamol or acetaminophen (P-250, Crocin or Tylenol) to it bring down. Also use tepid sponging.
You need to give steam inhalation to your child. It helps in reducing the congestion. 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.
If he has cough or nasal discharge give him some antiallergic like cetirizine once daily for next few days.
Please be patient, it should spontaneously resolve in 5-7 days. Unless the child becomes lethargic or develops respiratory distress you do not need to take him to the ER.
Feel free to write back
Regards
Unlikely to be serious
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
I have gone carefully through the details and understand your concern. Most often such symptoms are due to viral infections and antibiotics are ineffective in such cases. Antibiotics would not help and irrespective of treatment it usually spontaneously resolves in 5-7 days.
Often such viral infections manifest with fever. If your child is otherwise active and playful, I would not be concerned. If not, it would be a good idea to visit a doctor and to get the child evaluated.
If your child has fever with temperature more than 100°F, you need to give paracetamol or acetaminophen (P-250, Crocin or Tylenol) to it bring down. Also use tepid sponging.
You need to give steam inhalation to your child. It helps in reducing the congestion. 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.
If he has cough or nasal discharge give him some antiallergic like cetirizine once daily for next few days.
Please be patient, it should spontaneously resolve in 5-7 days. Unless the child becomes lethargic or develops respiratory distress you do not need to take him to the ER.
Feel free to write back
Regards
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Remy Koshy
Answered by
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