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Suggest Treatment For Runny Nose, Cough And Sneezing In A Child
Question: Hi. patient is a 6.5 yr old boy. Symptoms started 2.5 weeks ago, improved w Chinese medication, then worsened last week after a cold drink.
Symptoms: runny nose with some sneezing (not often). coughing especially at night. no phlegm. no fever. no sore throat. night coughing goes away after a few sips of warm water. some signs of fatigue but is a till able to read, draw and do homework.
Other info: atient has got food allergies since birth. Allergic to egg, fish, XXXXXXX nuts, but not to milk, peanuts.
We are now in China and do not trust the doctors here.
Our questions: 1. when do we know if a hospital visit is necessary? what signs to watch out for? 2. What medicine would you prescribe at this point? Thanks.
Symptoms: runny nose with some sneezing (not often). coughing especially at night. no phlegm. no fever. no sore throat. night coughing goes away after a few sips of warm water. some signs of fatigue but is a till able to read, draw and do homework.
Other info: atient has got food allergies since birth. Allergic to egg, fish, XXXXXXX nuts, but not to milk, peanuts.
We are now in China and do not trust the doctors here.
Our questions: 1. when do we know if a hospital visit is necessary? what signs to watch out for? 2. What medicine would you prescribe at this point? Thanks.
Brief Answer:
Cough/sneeze
Detailed Answer:
Hello. I just read through your question.
The symptoms you describe are consistent with seasonal allergy. I do not believe this is related to his food allergies.
1. If he is short of breath and unable to catch his breath, a hospital visit would be warranted. This would manifest as being unable to complete sentences.
2. In addition to the above, hydration is very important. If he goes 24 hours without urinating, a hospital visit would be warranted.
3. In terms of medications, long acting antihistamines are usually prescribed for patients with these symptoms. In the USA, the most commonly used medicines are Zyrtec (generic: cetirizine) and Claritin (generic: loratidine). Only one would be recommended and it is given only once per day.
Cough/sneeze
Detailed Answer:
Hello. I just read through your question.
The symptoms you describe are consistent with seasonal allergy. I do not believe this is related to his food allergies.
1. If he is short of breath and unable to catch his breath, a hospital visit would be warranted. This would manifest as being unable to complete sentences.
2. In addition to the above, hydration is very important. If he goes 24 hours without urinating, a hospital visit would be warranted.
3. In terms of medications, long acting antihistamines are usually prescribed for patients with these symptoms. In the USA, the most commonly used medicines are Zyrtec (generic: cetirizine) and Claritin (generic: loratidine). Only one would be recommended and it is given only once per day.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks Dr. Goldstein, for your prompt response.
May I know if the coughing is also a response to allergy and not due to bacterial/viral infection? How do I tell?
I heard that local doctors here often prescribe antibiotics and put the patients on drips. These measures are not necessary for the patient till (1) and (2) above are observed?
May I know if the coughing is also a response to allergy and not due to bacterial/viral infection? How do I tell?
I heard that local doctors here often prescribe antibiotics and put the patients on drips. These measures are not necessary for the patient till (1) and (2) above are observed?
Brief Answer:
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Yes, the coughing is due to allergy. However, this doesn't mean a bacterial infection won't develop. So we do have to watch for that. Your clue would be fever of 101 or higher for longer than 48 hours. That doesn't mean that 48 hours of fever IS a bacterial infection. But it could be, and would be worth getting checked out.
As far as antibiotics and a drip, this would be completely unnecessary in a patient who is well hydrated and does not have fever. So yes, unless (1) and/or (2) are observed, I would not recommend that treatment.
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Yes, the coughing is due to allergy. However, this doesn't mean a bacterial infection won't develop. So we do have to watch for that. Your clue would be fever of 101 or higher for longer than 48 hours. That doesn't mean that 48 hours of fever IS a bacterial infection. But it could be, and would be worth getting checked out.
As far as antibiotics and a drip, this would be completely unnecessary in a patient who is well hydrated and does not have fever. So yes, unless (1) and/or (2) are observed, I would not recommend that treatment.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Oh Thanks Dr. Your answers are very comforting!! :) You have a good day!
Brief Answer:
YW
Detailed Answer:
You're very welcome.
YW
Detailed Answer:
You're very welcome.
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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