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Suggest Treatment For Runny Nose, Cough And Chest Congestion In An Infant
Question: Dear Doctor
My baby boy is six month old and having weight around 8.5 KGs. Since last two days he is suffering from cough and blocked chest with little bit of runny nose. Baby is borned in australia. Baby is having breastfeed milk and rice cereal. Baby is earing well however while sleeping . Can you recommend some medicine ? Also advise whether Maxtra is safe for infant baby or not? If yes let me know the dosage urgently please
My baby boy is six month old and having weight around 8.5 KGs. Since last two days he is suffering from cough and blocked chest with little bit of runny nose. Baby is borned in australia. Baby is having breastfeed milk and rice cereal. Baby is earing well however while sleeping . Can you recommend some medicine ? Also advise whether Maxtra is safe for infant baby or not? If yes let me know the dosage urgently please
Brief Answer:
You may give cetrizine,better avoid cold medications
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
The most common cause of cough/cold in this age is some viral infection or allergy. I won't get worried for cough and cold if there is no breathing difficulty, baby is otherwise active, taking feeds well and cough is not associated with vomiting.
It is not very uncommon to develop lower respiratory tract involvement following cough and cold in this age. So careful observation for any deterioration in symptoms is very important.
As said if there is so significant associated symptoms it is always better to avoid cold medications like maxtra.
Maxtra contains chlorpheniramine and phenylephrine. As per guidelines this should not be given in infancy. Despite that pediatricians are frequently prescribing the same. Personally I have not seen any significant side effects if given in prescribed dose.
Cetirizine is a better choice and the dose is 2.5 mg once a day for cold symptoms. I would request you to consult a pediatrician for clinical evaluation and prescription of antiallergic medicine like cetirizine and cough medication like levosalbutamol with amboxol (a sputum thinning agent). If possible you may give steam to the baby.
Putting nasal saline drops helps in relieving the nasal blockage and it does not have any serious side effects.
I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any more queries.
Regards
You may give cetrizine,better avoid cold medications
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
The most common cause of cough/cold in this age is some viral infection or allergy. I won't get worried for cough and cold if there is no breathing difficulty, baby is otherwise active, taking feeds well and cough is not associated with vomiting.
It is not very uncommon to develop lower respiratory tract involvement following cough and cold in this age. So careful observation for any deterioration in symptoms is very important.
As said if there is so significant associated symptoms it is always better to avoid cold medications like maxtra.
Maxtra contains chlorpheniramine and phenylephrine. As per guidelines this should not be given in infancy. Despite that pediatricians are frequently prescribing the same. Personally I have not seen any significant side effects if given in prescribed dose.
Cetirizine is a better choice and the dose is 2.5 mg once a day for cold symptoms. I would request you to consult a pediatrician for clinical evaluation and prescription of antiallergic medicine like cetirizine and cough medication like levosalbutamol with amboxol (a sputum thinning agent). If possible you may give steam to the baby.
Putting nasal saline drops helps in relieving the nasal blockage and it does not have any serious side effects.
I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any more queries.
Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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