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What Is The Cause And Treatment For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection?

Posted on Sat, 28 Jun 2014

Question: My 5 year old has a temp of 100.9, stuffed nose and horsey cough has been eating a drinking throughout the day but mostly wants to rest. Is this something I should take him to the doctor for an antibiotic?

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You do not need to se the doctor now!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about the fever and related symptoms that your son has.

From a review of this information, he most likely has a viral upper respiratory tract infection. Most of these infections are self limiting. However, we need to manage the symptoms adequately and prevent complications. For this, I will recommend the following.

1. Increased fluid intake as fever causes increased water loss that can lead to dehydration. Observe his urine output and make sure he is urinating as often as before.

2. Children's Tylenol would help relief the fevers. This will will reduce fluid losses and improve his over all comfort.

3. To prevent bacterial super infection and improve breathing, regular nasal wash with normal saline at least 4times per day would help.

He would want to rest more, let him do. We all deserve more rest when we are sick. There is really no reason to get concerned at this time. With these measures, there should be a significant improvement in his general state and symptoms within 72hours. If this is not the case, then I will recommend you get him evaluated by a pediatrician as this may signal the need for antibiotics to be added to the treatment.

I hope this helps. I wish you well. I wish your son a speedy recovery. Feel free to request for more information and clarifications if need be.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (1 hour later)

Thank you. He plays amd acts notmal after the mucinex kicks in so i figured it was a head and chest cold. I was just concerned about moving

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Thanks for the updates!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the updates.

Am happy to know he is doing a lot better today.

Regards to him and continue taking very good care of him.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (2 hours later)

Do you still think i should take him to the doctors office? Over the course of 3 days his cough has gotten better just had the slight fever twice. His younger brother has not caught anything from him

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No need to see a doctor now!

Detailed Answer:
He is getting better and that is what matters most. There is no need o make a quick visit to the doctor's office at this time unless something else comes up. This guy is playing and stronger than was yesterday, that is the best reassurance that you needed.

For now, there is no reason to visit a doctor. Continue with the various medications and all would be okay. I am happy to know the brother is strong..I pray he picks nothing bothersome from him as most viral infections are often contagious.

Let me know if there is something more you want on to talk on at this time. I wish your entire family well.

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar