Is This Mucus Normal? My Doctor Blew It Off.

Does he feel bad? Have a fever? My daughter had RSV when she was only 2 months old. She had a TON of mucus and congestion. I had to bulb her nose 24 hrs a day. I suppose you should keep an eye on it and take him back in if you think you need to.

It is terribly frustrating the first couple times you end up with an upper respitory infection at the doctor's office. Unless there's an infection there really is nothing medical that can be done. If he has a sinus infection (which it sounds like he might), the only way to confirm that is with a CAT scan (I had this debate with my own Ped). So you have to decide how comfortable you are with treating with antibiotics as a guess (maybe it's a sinus infection, maybe not) and then find a ped that fits that desire. Most will happily treat after a week or two. Which is just miserable on the mama, but really, it depends on how much antibiotics you want your child to see. If you demand them, most peds will cave.

In the mean time, do you have a vaporizer? CVS sells the Vicks one for like $10.99. I swear it makes a huge difference for Sam. Also, we take showers together on the nights that he's sick. It seems to really open him up before going to bed. I also use either the Vicks Vaporizer liquid or the Pediasure vapors (in the outlet). It always made me feel better as a kid to have that mentholatum stuff floating around. However even a week of cleaning that thing can get old and the filler expensive. I do have to say that I think the decongestants are a joke. I have never noticed them to make a difference with Sam (Tylenol Cold, Pediacare, whatever).

You really only need to get concerned if he is congested (and seems in pain) for more than a week or a cough develops in the lungs. And I have been to the doctor enough times to know that a lot of Sam's coughs have sounded to me like they were in the lungs but it's really just coughing up the phlegm on the back of the throat. (Save yourself a co-pay. Go in after congestion for a week or if there is labored breathing or a real rattle in the lungs)

I am a big fan of Dr. Sears when it comes to his Medicine Cabinet and Childhood Illnesses approach (let's disregard the other stuff for the sake of this conversation). He lays it all out in a really easy to understand format.

See http://www.askdrsears.com/html/8/T081000.asp

Good luck! I know how hard those nights are! Sam (I think) has allergies. Our entire late summer early fall was congested (ages 14-16 months). Sometimes it developed into a cough, sometimes a sinus infection. It sucks! Take care of yourself too! Although you're a SAHM, illnesses call for daddies to pitch in too. If you get sick, who's going to care for you both?

It sounds like you have recieved lots of good advice. The only thing that I can add as a mom of a kiddo who had bronchitis 6 times in the last year is to get a nasal saline spray called ENT-SOL. It is over the counter, but has a higher concentration of sodium which binds to the molecules of mucus and you can actually suck more out this way. I didn't believe it at first when our pulmonologist told us this, but the difference between aspirating with regular saline and the ENT-SOL is huge! You have to ask the pharmacist for it, but it is not something you need a prescription for!

My 4.5 month old has the same symptoms that began Monday. Here is how my doctor handled it. My daughter weighs 13 lbs; therefore, the doctor on call recommended 1/2 teaspoon of yellow Triaminic (it is not for infants), suction, saline nose drops, Pedialite, and Tylenol. I added a cool mist humidifier and Vick's Baby Rub. Monday night was a rough one. She slept very little, seemed very hot to touch, had a difficult time breathing and was very restless. Tuesday when we went to the doctor, she added 1/4 teaspoon a Zyrtec to the list and said to call if my daughter began running fever or started coughing. Although she is still congested, she is improving and has begun to smile again. If you live in the east Dallas area, I highly recommend Dr. Andrea Cramer as a Pediatrician.

C.,
I work in the hospital and have lots of experience with this. I would recommend finding another doctor. It sounds like to me your son has a sinus infection (which is always green/yellow snot) If his muous is white/clear thick and stringy,your son probably has RSV or broncholitis. Any doctor who "blows a parent off" is NOT A GOOD DOCTOR! You know better than anyone in the world what is normal and not normal for your child. Email me if you any ____@____.com
H.

C.,
I would ALWAYS listen to your gut. I have a six year old and have had many problems with doctors. My son has autism and if I hadn't listened to my gut we would not have progressed like we have. I have a homeopathic doctor we LOVE and my son has only been on antibiotics once in his life. If I were you I would change doctors immediately to someone who will listen. That much congestion is NOT teething!!!! If you would like a referral of a new pediatrician email me and I will give you some names I know to be good and compassionate. You are a good mommy and always listen to what your heart is saying!!!!!
L. ____@____.com

We've been dealing with a persistent sinus infection with my son since the end of Sept. I've looked up a lot of info, been to the pediatrician about 8 times, seen an allergist, now on our way to an ENT. I feel like a sinus expert. Let me share what I've learned! Thick, cloudy stuff could just be a cold ('tis the season for that) or it could be a sinus infection. It is no fun at all to deal with, but should run it's course in about 10-14 days. At our pediatrician's office, the rule of thumb seems to be that sinus drainage/congestion that doesn't get better after 14 days, or it includes a fever over 101 for 3 days, is worthy of antibiotic treatment. It's been a pretty good way to assess the problem. Before we entered this "chronic sinusitis" hell, those rules have always held true with both our kids. During those times when no antibiotic was needed, it really did take at least 10 days to run its course. This stuff seems to get worse before it gets better, but, typically, after 5 to 7 days we would see it start getting better (at least you should be using fewer tissues than when it all began.)
As far as relieving his symptoms, I also try to avoid OTC medicines. Most decongestants, which are often stimulants, don't actually do much for the congestion and leave me with a very irritable toddler with mild insomnia. If the congestion is affecting night-time sleep, we'll use Benadryl at night. It helps dry it up and it helps them sleep. During the day we try to stay drug-free. The absolute best thing you can do is use saline nose spray, wait about 10 minutes, then use the nasal aspirator. Do it as often as you can -- I usually do it in the morning, before and after nap, and before bed time. You may also need to do it before meals if he's having trouble breathing while he eats. Increase his fluid intake -- water, pedialyte or gatorade -- as much as possible. Let him nurse more often since he's not likely getting a full feeding because of his stuffiness. A cool-mist humidifier should help in his room. Sitting in a steamy bathroom in the mornings might help too. His mucous will be thicker and darker in the mornings from having sat in his head all night while he was laying down.

I know it's frustrating when your kids aren't feeling well, and you feel like you should DO something to help it, but as with most things in life: Less is more.
Good luck!

First of all u have alot of great advice.. im not to experience since im a first time mom but i had the same prob. w/my daughter when she was smaller! Do not let your Dr blow u off! (he will just keep on doing it! Well atleast in my case!) I learned that instead of salien drops use lukewarm water and instead of putting him flat on the bed, prop him up almost as he was sitting up. This will let the mucus drain instead of building up and making things worse! I used a swinging toy and her carseat to prop her up! IT MADE A BIG DIFF UNTILL SHE GOT BETTER!!! GOOD LUCK!

My daughter is having the same problems, and has had this problem off and on for the last month. My pediatrician says it is normal, and told me to give her 1/4 tsp. childrens benadryl every 4-6 hours as needed. It has helped a little, but I also do a few other things that help her on my own. At night, I use a vicks vaporizor with the special vicks liquid to help her breathe better through the night. I also use baby vicks on her chest on rough nights. If her night is bothered by fever, cough and congestion, I give her infants tylenol cold .08 dose. With the asperator, I use little noses saline in her nose and it helps clear the nose better. My daughter is 6 months old and weighs 18 lbs. The dosing I gave you will be just fine for your son too. Amber is my 6th child, so I have been on this merry-go-round before.
Hope this helps...S.

Hi C.,

I have a 2yr and a 8mo old and we are always dealing with runny noses and congestion. The saline spray you can get at the grocery store is fantastic. I will put a few drops in my sons nose before I use the nasal aspirator which helps the mucus come out better. It also helps him to be able to sneeze it out himself as well. The other thing that I really like is the Vicks plug in humidifier. It sends out that Vicks smell into the room without having to worry about your son getting hte Vicks on his hands and then in his eyes. IT really helps my son.

Also did your Dr. look up your son's nose as well? THis is probably just a cold or allergies, but if you are not happy with how your Dr. responds to your request you should definitely look for a new Dr. We see Dr. Yaeger ###-###-####. He is part of a practice called Pediatricians of Dallas which is located by Presbyterian HOspital of Dallas.

Good Luck!

It has been a while since my babies had congestion but I remember how horrible it was and that they couldn't sleep. I had mine sleep in a bouncy seat next to my bed when they were congested so that 1) I was right there and 2) they were propped up so they could breath better.

However, the real reason I am responding is how your pediatrician blew you off. Here is a copy of what I just wrote to somebody requestion a new pediatrician....

I adore our pediatrician and even if we lost all insurance, I would never leave her and pay out of pocket to keep her!! She is my fourth pediatrician and the first one who ever took me seriously about a condition my infant son had. 3 other pediatricians blew me off. She fought for me and helped me find the specialist I needed. She helped me find a cure for a nasty infection that my infant son had had from age 2 months until we went to her when he was a year old. I had been through 3 pediatricians already who just blew me off and sent me home. We finally got his condition under control at 13 months of age and have been maintaining it beautifully for 4 years now---all because Dr. Ashworth knew something was wrong and made sure we fixed it.

Then, when my daughter was born with a heart murmer, when she was a few weeks old, Dr. Ashworth said it was gone and she was just fine....BUT did I want to take her to a pediatric cardiologist for reassurance. I said that while I did trust her, I really wanted a specialist to give her a full EKG and check up to make sure there was nothing she missed. Dr. Ashworth was fabulous and immediately sent me off to a great pediatric cardiologist. She was right, everything was fine, but she understood my need for reassurance and she always takes your concerns seriously!

I can not recommend her enough.....
Dr. Carolyn Ashworth
###-###-####
3721 W. 15th St. Suite 603
Plano, TX 75075

She is located around the Plano Medical Center.

Good Luck!
L.

Dear C.,
I'm sure you'll receive many responses to this, but I just had to throw in my 2 cents, also. No, it doesn't sound normal and it does sound exactly like a sinus infection. So much so, that I am kind of appalled that your doc didn't pick up on it. I am not in favor of antibiotics for one so young, but sometimes they are just necessary. I would suggest giving your baby some probiotic along with the antibiotic to keep his intestines balanced. Probiotic used to be kind of out of the mainstream...you know...the realm of the true health nut. But, just recently the Dr. that appears on Oprah was enthusiastically touting its benefits...and you can't get more mainstream than that.☺ On a slightly different note...kudos to you for insisting your dr. take a closer look. I have 4 children, ages 17 - 2, and I can tell you from experience...your instincts are more valuable than his medical degree. If you are ever dealing with your child and you think something doesn't seem normal or right...then it isn't...case closed!! For every "hysterical" mom, there are thousands who were just discerning!! So, keep up the good work. Your boys are lucky to have you. As far as changing pedi's...well, that depends on how often this dr. does this kind of thing. Keep your antennae up. You are the only champion your sweet babies have. (Which is not to disregard the Dad...but you are on the front lines.) Take care...P.

You said he had a checkup. Did he by chance receive any vaccines? If so I would say it's a vaccine reaction. My little boy got really sick after a couple of his vaccine rounds and the doctor blew me off every time. I wish I had listened to my intuiton and my baby who was trying to tell me his body could not handle the onslaught of toxins that were being injected in his little body! If this did happen after vaccines I would try very hard to avoid antibiotics and just try giving some vitamin c to help. I would also avoid tylenol as it can deplete the body's natural ability to detoxify the chemicals that are injected.

I was told my many doctors that anytime the mucus is not clear to be leery of a sinus infection.. My son used to have at least one a year until he turned 3. I would get a second opinion. Steam showers help clear up the congestion. Let the water run hot the with the bathroom door closed (of course DONT put the baby in the shower.) Just let him inhale the steam.. it should loosen the mucus. Also.. u might try baby vapor rub on his chest until you can get a second opinion...

I suggest you get a second opinion. If it is worrying more, I'd rather be feeling good about it rather than wondering.
I hope all works out.

My son is 13 mo. old and has had manny colds and drainage due to teething. My doc and his assistant always tell me to run a humidifier every night whether he is having a problem or not. After doing some research I bought the Air-O-Swiss online. It will help loosen the mucus and can help prevent colds. It was expensive (200.00)but it won't grow bacteria like the cheaper ones. Also ask your doc if you can give him a small dose of cold medicine at night. I hate to medicate my son also but if he sleeps better he gets well sooner.