2 Year-old Coughing, Do We Need to See a Doctor?

My two boys are sick with what seems to be the same thing. If she is struggling to breathe or running a high fever, than you need to take her to the E.R., but if not, than try Vicks baby rub on her chest and I even put a tiny bit up their noses. I've also been giving my boys tylenol and if she is at least 20 pounds, half a teaspoon of childrens allergy syrup(recommended by my pharmacist) It's childrens benadryl. So far it has really worked for both of my boys. I also make my 2 year old weak, warm, decaffinated tea. If you can keep fluids in her and they help her little throat,that's half the battle. Try to stay away from the milk because they cause more muucus to build and make you more gunky, which makes it harder to sleep which, you guessed it, makes the little one more cranky. Good luck. I hope that you all feel much better.

Hi, J.. I would say don't rush to the doctor, for several reasons: first, it sounds like your intuition is telling you not to, and I'd say I agree. Second, most colds are viruses and only the symptoms can be treated. You're right: rest and fluids. Third, you're only talking a few days. I would suggest call and ask the nurse and they'll check to see if there are any "red flag" symptoms. If not, they'll say we'll see you in a few days. It doesn't hurt, though, to make that call tomorrow morning, right? :-)
Also, let me encourage you: my daughter did not like the doctor at all at first, but by around 2 she began to see some adventure in the new toys & new place, so maybe this time in to the office it won't be the cry-fest it has been in the past. Keep your chin up. Above all else, remember this: if you're a mom who cares enough to do things like subscribe to sites like mamasource and who will post a question, that tells me that you're a caring, observant mother who is doing most stuff just right! :-)

J.,

I have taken my son to the doctor's when he was 2 and had a cold (he's now 4)- she has always told me that if he's eating and drinking and able to sleep to not worry about it too much, however if he's not "acting normal" otherwise definitely bring him into the office (i.e. pulling on his ear and screaming, not wanting to eat for several days, very lathargic). She also told me that coughing is good it helps to bring the "stuff" up out of the throat, but did prescribe a cough suppressant for him to give to him before he went to bed to help him stay asleep all night.

She has told me though to never feel stupid about bringing my children in to see the doctor - she would rather me bring them in and be wrong than stay at home thinking nothing is wrong when something is wrong. That said since your well appointment is so close you might just want to wait and go then unless your daughter is showing signs of her cold getting worse.

OK that's has just been my experience, hope that helps.

M.

Hi J.

If she only has a cough, I wouldnt worry, especially if her normal appt is in a few days anyway. She'll be fine. Especially this time of year it seems like my girls are constantly coughing. She is definitely old enough for over the counter meds though. Just follow the instructions on the label I reccomend Pedia Care. They have all different kinds so you can find one for just a cough instead of treating a bunch of symptoms she doesnt have. Hope this helps
K.

I very rarely take any of my three to the doc for a cold. If there's no other severe symptoms, I wouldn't worry about it.

And yes, she's old enough to take just about any cold/cough medicine - they have infant's for newborns and children's for your two year old. I swear by Benadryl or Dimatapp Cough & Cold.

I would just watch it right now. :) she is old enough to get over the counter meds as well to relieve some of the symptoms. If the coughing gets worse, it could be croup, b/c that is going around the area right now, but that typically affects younger babies. (my neighbors 2.5 year old and her 15 month old have it right now) the 15 month old has it much worse. It really sounds like just a could tho. (and possible allergies, as my familys allergies are getting much worse this time of year).
~A.

I have a three year old that coughed for two weeks, day and night. There is a virus going around that includes a lot of coughing and there isn't much you can do. We did give him Vick 44e Cough and Chest Congestion Relief which your little two year old is able to take. We also ran a humidifier in his room day and night and had the door shut so it would help when he slept. Good luck!

Our pediatrician has a number to call that you call anytime and ask questions. I bet if you call your main number it would forward you to some kind of system where a doctor or nurse would call you back if you are still concerned!