Hi

Thanks for posting your query on XXXXXXX

The cough and cold seems like a viral infection. He is already on the right set of medicines for it. Paracetamol should be given whenever the kid has fever or upto 4 times a day. Cetrizine should be given when the kid a runny nose and sputum other wise it should not be given. Asthalin should be given only for obstruction and difficulty in breathing.

For diarrhea give him oral rehydration like Gatorade or ORS-L whenever he has a loose motion and vomiting. Oral rehydration is the best measure to take during the episodes. It helps replace the lost electrolytes and fluids and helps in healing of the intestinal lining as well by giving it some rest. Avoid giving him milk and milk products. Avoid juices. Can give him fruits, cerelac (which is thick and also helps), other solid foods that he may like. Medicine or antibiotic is usually not recommended unless the diarrhea is severe, lasts for many days or has blood in it. Give him hygienic food and pure drinking water.

Let me know if you need further clarification

Regards

Dr Vaishalee

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Hi again

It seems that his adenoids and/ tonsils worsened because of the respiratory infection. Let us see if his snoring gets better after the infection is over. Actually snoring is an indication to get the adenoids and/or tonsils removed by surgery. Surgery can have its side-effects and recurrence may happen though not very common. For the time being we can try non sedating decongestants to decrease the size. Cetrizine is one. Another one is pseudoephedrine. There are some syrups that have both for example Cetin-plus susp.

Usually adenoids and tonsils decrease in size with age. For mild to moderate cases surgical removal is not indicated.

We have to increase his immunity so that he does not catch recurrent infection. His weight is low. Thus I will recommend some life-style changes:

1. Take fruits and vegetables at least 5 times a day. He has to eat something 6 times a day. Take hygienic food and pure drinking water. Filtration technique of reverse osmosis produces safest water. Give him high calorie food to increase his weight. High calorie food include milk products like cheese, ghee, butter, cream, ice-cream, etc. You can also add pediasure or cream 1 -2 tbsp in his milk after dinner. Give him milk shakes, soy-milk, paneer, cookies, cakes, etc. Avoid juices. Avoid giving milk in bottle.

2. Daily exercise or playtime recommended.

3. Avoid triggers like dust, pollen, cold air etc.

4. Avoid going to day-cares or schools that have limited space and more kids. Kids in such places fall sick more often. Keep away from sick people.

5. Avoid unnecessary medication including antibiotics.

Let me know if I can assist you further

Dr Vaishalee

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Hi

You can try a multivitamin syrup like Cherifer syrup with zinc to be taken 2.5 - 5 ml a day.

Nasal sprays are available in two types: decongestants like otrivin and steroidal nasal spray. Steroidal nasal spray are better avoided during infections. Decongestant nasal sprays are not recommended in kids and also cannot be used for prolonged times. If you think that these sprays will work for the snoring then it can be used, but use it under medical supervision.

Regards

Dr Vaishalee

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