Hello,
Cough and cold are viral 95% of the time in children. For cold, you can use anti-allergics like
Levocetirizine and for nose block, saline nasal decongestants will do.
For cold, you can use Levocetrizine at 1.25mg/dose as a single daily dose for 3 days. But usually it is indicated in above 6 months age. But unfortunately, this is non-OTC.
OR The other alternative is Syrup
Benadryl (12.5mg/5ml) strength. You can give 2.5ml three times a day for a period of 3 days.
Although this is a first-generation antihistamine medication, this is an excellent cough suppressant, please. This is OTC. For nasal block, plain saline nasal drops will do, every 4-6th hourly to relive
nasal congestion.
If he struggling whilst lying in prone or supine posture - you may let him sleep in semi-recumbent position like in a car seat please.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Sumanth Amperayani,
Pediatrician, Pulmonology