T.B. asks from Eau Claire, WI on December 21, 2010
Extended Sickness in 12 Year Old
My 12 year old son has been sick with cold like symptoms since before Thanksgiving. He doesn't run a fever, but has the runny nose, upset stomach, cough, etc. At what point should we take him to the doctor?
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S.H. answers from St. Louis on December 21, 2010
Zyrtec & Mucinex works great for my family. Could this be a need for a humidifier this winter.....? It could also be environmental - do you have a carbon monoxide detector?
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D.B. answers from Boston on December 21, 2010
That's too long for a cold. Could be mono, could be bronchitis -- those could be viral in origin but something's making this situation last. It could have morphed into an infection (sinus, lung) without a fever. The upset stomach can be from the mucus or post-nasal drip draining into his stomach. I'd have him looked at.
L.D. answers from Minneapolis on December 22, 2010
Before you take him to the doc, try one more thing.
Neti Pot. You can buy one for around $10 at Walgreens. Bottom shelf.
It's a very old technology, developed in India long ago. It is designed to flush a large amount of saline/baking soda/water solution through one nostril and out the other. It sounds gross, but it really flushes out the root of the problem and doesn't just mask symptoms.
I, too had a cold that started before Halloween with the same symptoms you're describing. I've been miserable for months, and afraid that it was turning into pneumonia or mono. Two weeks ago someone suggested the Neti Pot and it turned my cold around. I've suffered from sinus and allergy issues my whole life and I've never seen anything work better.
Of course, getting at least 9 hours of sleep (for a kid) is crucial to let his body heal. (no video games!) And the humidifier is an awesome help.
I hate going to the doc, because that's a good place to get sicker (from just sitting in the waiting room). Also, the co-pay is obnoxious and antibiotics are not the best solution in the long run.
K.H. answers from Minneapolis on December 22, 2010
sounds like a sinus infection-i suggest you get him in...
S.H. answers from St. Louis on December 21, 2010
Zyrtec & Mucinex works great for my family. Could this be a need for a humidifier this winter.....? It could also be environmental - do you have a carbon monoxide detector?
M.L. answers from Minneapolis on December 22, 2010
If your child has been sick for a month... then take him to the doctor.
C.D. answers from Washington DC on December 21, 2010
It does sound like allergies since the post nasal drip often gives my son an upset stomach. But take him to the Dr. just to make sure. He could have a sinus infection by this point too if he's had a runny nose for that long. I would make an appt soon so he can enjoy the holidays. Good luck.
S.A. answers from New York on December 21, 2010
Sounds like an allergy. Did you try Claratin? If it helps its an allergy.
P.P. answers from Sheboygan on December 23, 2010
My husband & I were both exposed to someone who was sick last week. He got diareah & the "throw-ups" & was really sick for 2 days. I took zinc & a couple of oregano drops under my tongue. Later that day I thought I was gonna drown because I got all kinds of liquid flushing through my throat for about 30 seconds. I felt great after that.
I have a perrenial runny nose in the morning due to a dust allergy. Dr Oz says to throw out your pillow after 2 years. But I'm thinking I should also replace my comforter. Dust Mites, doncha know?
NeilMed from Walgreens is a netti pot in a squeeze bottle. Much easier to use & has packets to mix with water. Lasts forever.
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