Brief Answer:
Vicks vaporub will be useful

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare-Magic
Greetings of the day
Namasthe
Dear XXXX

First and foremost let me reassure you there is no cause for concern.

I will provide you home assessment to assess the severity of respiratory infection in babies. Being a mother you can be home doctor. Vicks rub will definitely be beneficial. Touch of mother does wonders.

Any child who presents with respiratory infection , i rule out lower respiratory infection by thoroughly examining the child. It can be easily be assessed in children in the following way even by parents

1. Respiratory symptoms like running nose, cough, wheezing, fever in the presence of normal respiratory rate, accepting feeds well , sleeping well, no chest retraction----- It is simple Upper respiratory infection


2. If the child has additional symptoms like Rapid respiratory rate, chest retraction, refusal of feeds, high grade fever(>103 F ), bluish discolouration of lips------- In presence of any of these symptoms and signs its categorized as lower respiratory tract infection.


Its common to see children having 2- 3 episodes of respiratory infection every year. A good assesement by parents them-self will be very reassuring to them.

I instruct the parents to look for danger signs like

1. Respiratory rate: Count the respiratory rate for one minute-- it can be done by observing the movement of exposed chest, every expansion of chest counted as one respiration.
These are the normal values in children
>>>>Upto 2 months of age < 60/minute
>>>> 2 months to 1 year < 50/minute
>>>> above 1 year to 10 years < 40/minute

Respiratory rate above these values denotes Pneumonia or Lower respiratory tract infection

2. Bluish discolouration of lips, refusal of feeds, retraction of chest or indrawing of chest at time of inspiration, high grade fever

Presence of any of symptoms, i suggest the parents to consult the Pediatrician at earliest


If the respiration of child is okay, feeds well from breast and sleeps comfortabley, its just simple respiratory infection. I would suggest following

1. Continue breast feeding
2. Keep baby warm
3. Monitor temperature: if its higher than 99 F , antipyretic like Paracetamol may be used.
4. Normal saline nasal drops(Nasoclear): 2 drops in each nostril 4-5 times a day
5. Nebulization: If you have a nebulizer at home, Normal saline nebulization will give much relief.
6. Himlaya Septilin Syrup 2ml once a day : It will boost immunity and prevent recurrent respiratory infection
7. Wash the bedding and clothes of baby thoroughly inn hot water to remove all traces of dust.
8. Cetrizine drops will be helpful for cold.


Do get back to me if you need any further assistance, will be glad to assist you.

Take Care

Best Regards
Dr Deepak Kishore
MBBS,MS,MCH
Consultant Pediatric Surgeon

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