M.G. asks from Chicago, IL on March 28, 2008
7 Mos. Old Son's Cold Won't Go Away- Advice?
My son was diagnosed with having an ear infection in both ears 6 days ago. He's on antibiotics and his mood has improved which must mean he is feeling better BUT his cold symptoms have not improved at all in 9 days!! He is still coughing and has a terribly runny nose! The doctor told us to have him sleep on angle to help with the draining. We have also been using saline drops along with clearing out his nose constantly. Does it seem strange that it is not improving?
So What Happened?™
Thanks to everyone that sent out a response. It made me feel much more at ease. I waited a few more days and he started feeling a lot better. After 11 days of not feeling well, 10 days of medicine, lots of tissues and saline drops, he is back to his normal self!! Again, thanks so much to all the mothers out there that are willing to share their thoughts, suggestions, and comments!
Featured Answers
J.M. answers from Chicago on March 29, 2008
Hi M.. There probably isn't any reason to worry. Colds can actually last up to 2 weeks. I have 2 little girls and they both had really bad coughs that lasted that long. If he gets a fever that lasts for more than a few days then you should probably bring him back into the dr. Otherwise putting his mattress on an incline and running a cool-mist humidifier in his room is about the best way to keep him comfy til it passes. Hope he feels better soon!
A.S. answers from Chicago on March 28, 2008
Colds can and usually do last 2-3 weeks. Coughing and drainage are usually the longest lasting symptoms. If it continues after that time, I would take him back to be seen again. A humidifier in his room or in the house would probably help too.
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T.G. answers from Peoria on March 29, 2008
I can understand your concern My son had this and it lasted awhile too. my son was diagnosed with asthma. He was about 6 months and he is now three and we haven't had problems for awhile. But as long as the baby's lungs are clear you should be ok. Just make sure to keep cleaning out his nose and the cool mist humidifier will help too. Just be sure to keep in touch with the doctor if it gets worse to make sure it doesn't turn into bronchitis or pneumonia. This is all going around and Spring probably won't be better do to allergies but It will get better.
Good luck
E.G. answers from Chicago on April 02, 2008
Maybe he has an allergy. Cold nowadays last much longer than usual and often come back again. Keep in contact with you doctor if it doesn't clear up and have him tested for allergies. It could be from a dog if you have one, it could be the dust or carpeting in your home. Allergies can come from a lot of things. Good luck
A.P. answers from Chicago on March 28, 2008
I have an 8 month old and it took a good 3 weeks for all of his cold symptoms to go away..It helped him to take him into the bathroom with the door shut and run a hot shower to let him breath in the steam..We sat next to the shower in a sitting position to let it all drain..I did it a few times a day..Hope this helps..
B.M. answers from Chicago on March 28, 2008
Hi M.,
I think colds can last this long, but keep an eye on it. My son had a lingering cough that we chalked up to environmental allergies. Turns out it was a food allergy (he had a cough that wouldn't go away for a very long time).
I would say that if its still another week, look at what he is eating to see if anything could be linked. If you are breastfeeding, look at what you are eating (dairy?) to possibly be triggering anything.
B.
C.C. answers from Springfield on March 29, 2008
Hi M., I know it stinks, but colds can last up to 14 days! If it lasts longer than that you should let your doctor know, also if his ears still seem to be bothering him or he runs a fever. But it sounds like you are doing all the right things to help it out! Running a humidifier in his room also might help.
E.S. answers from Chicago on March 31, 2008
M., my 19 months old got the cold symptoms with every ear infection (he's had 4 so far) and always got croup right after the ear infection. His runny nose would usually last about 2 weeks and teh cough would go on for almost a month. It's a good time of year though, take him out on walks, just make sure he's buddled. The cool air really helps. We also run a humidifier in his room (turn it up when he's got the cough and runny nose) and we did steam showers right before bed (turn the water as hot as you can and sit in the bathroom for 10-15 minutes-we usually red a book during that time to keep occupied).
That seems to help my little guy through each one!
K.K. answers from Chicago on March 29, 2008
We are in the same boat. This is my 3rd and I believe his teeth are coming in. Both my girls had cold like symptoms when they got their teeth. Your little one may be a gooey ooey mess for the next couple of months while those teeth come in.
Also, my Dr. does not like the nose sucker outer. She says it can irritate the nose and cause a sinus infection...just some food for thought.
Good Luck!
A.H. answers from Springfield on March 30, 2008
I would ask your doctor about allergies. My son was diagnosed with them fairly early on. My sister's son, too. They're both 2. My sister's youngest is 6 months old and we've known for some time that he has allergies. He breaks out and gets a runny nose, etc. I'm not sure when they start kids on allergy meds, but it is something I'd look into. Hope this helps!
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