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What Causes Persistent Cold, Puffy Nose And Breathing Problem In An Infant?
Question: Hello Doctor,
my 17 month old son is having a few issues with him. Since last May, he has had a cold consistently. His nose is always stuffy, he can hardly breathe at night because of it. He also chokes at night (I'm guessing because of a post nasal drip but I have no idea), to the point where he throws up sometime. Because of these colds, the doctors assumed that it was a bacterial infection, and he was prescribed many different antibiotics. And as a result of the many antibiotics, he then got C-Diff in November. Since then he has still had a stuffy nose, and other cold symptoms. Over the last week, we are thinking he has C-Diff again, because his bowel movements are yellow, very runny with no consistency, very foul smelling and he goes at least 7 times a day. He currently has a temperature of 100.8, and has been vomiting over the past two days. He was tested for food allergies, and is allergic to peanut butter and egg whites, he doesn't have a milk allergy just for background. What could be causing my son to be so ill, all of the time? I am really concerned with my son choking at night, I am desperate for answers. I have tried many different doctors in my area, and no one seems to know. We are seeing an ENT doctor next month, but in the mean time, I would like some answers.
my 17 month old son is having a few issues with him. Since last May, he has had a cold consistently. His nose is always stuffy, he can hardly breathe at night because of it. He also chokes at night (I'm guessing because of a post nasal drip but I have no idea), to the point where he throws up sometime. Because of these colds, the doctors assumed that it was a bacterial infection, and he was prescribed many different antibiotics. And as a result of the many antibiotics, he then got C-Diff in November. Since then he has still had a stuffy nose, and other cold symptoms. Over the last week, we are thinking he has C-Diff again, because his bowel movements are yellow, very runny with no consistency, very foul smelling and he goes at least 7 times a day. He currently has a temperature of 100.8, and has been vomiting over the past two days. He was tested for food allergies, and is allergic to peanut butter and egg whites, he doesn't have a milk allergy just for background. What could be causing my son to be so ill, all of the time? I am really concerned with my son choking at night, I am desperate for answers. I have tried many different doctors in my area, and no one seems to know. We are seeing an ENT doctor next month, but in the mean time, I would like some answers.
Brief Answer:
Seems to be due to a viral infection, not bacterial.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
I have gone very carefully through your query and understand your concerns. Most often cough and cold in children is due to certain viral infections. Some children are more prone to catching cold. It usually has an allergic component which can manifest with post nasal drip as you have correctly identified. I do not see the role of antibiotics. Even though the doctor suspects bacterial infection, I do not see anything in its favor. C.difficile infections can be an effect of giving antibiotics and all you have to do is to withdraw the antibiotic. You however need to give plenty of curd or yogurt as it contains beneficial bacteria which should help.
You need not panic. Give your child steam inhalation. Just sit with the child on your lap and place the source of steam before you. Water in form of vapor will be in the air and automatically your child will breathe it in. It will reach deep inside and would provide relief by diluting the cough. You need not really be concerned as a lot of children get such infections and outgrow it in time.
Give some antiallergic like cetirizine once daily for few days when the child has such episodes. Give paracetamol or acetaminophen if the temperature goes above 100°F. Also give tepid sponging. The vomiting is more likely to be due to the cough and giving steam inhalation should help. You can also give some antiemetic like ondansetron but I doubt if it is required.
Give the child plenty of green leafy vegetables as well as colorful fruits and vegetables to eat. They contain plenty of antioxidants which would help in boosting the immunity.
Let me know if I could help further.
Regards
Seems to be due to a viral infection, not bacterial.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
I have gone very carefully through your query and understand your concerns. Most often cough and cold in children is due to certain viral infections. Some children are more prone to catching cold. It usually has an allergic component which can manifest with post nasal drip as you have correctly identified. I do not see the role of antibiotics. Even though the doctor suspects bacterial infection, I do not see anything in its favor. C.difficile infections can be an effect of giving antibiotics and all you have to do is to withdraw the antibiotic. You however need to give plenty of curd or yogurt as it contains beneficial bacteria which should help.
You need not panic. Give your child steam inhalation. Just sit with the child on your lap and place the source of steam before you. Water in form of vapor will be in the air and automatically your child will breathe it in. It will reach deep inside and would provide relief by diluting the cough. You need not really be concerned as a lot of children get such infections and outgrow it in time.
Give some antiallergic like cetirizine once daily for few days when the child has such episodes. Give paracetamol or acetaminophen if the temperature goes above 100°F. Also give tepid sponging. The vomiting is more likely to be due to the cough and giving steam inhalation should help. You can also give some antiemetic like ondansetron but I doubt if it is required.
Give the child plenty of green leafy vegetables as well as colorful fruits and vegetables to eat. They contain plenty of antioxidants which would help in boosting the immunity.
Let me know if I could help further.
Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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