Persistant Cough and Nasal Problems

Hi T.,

We have all had the "yucks" recently too! I am just now getting over a sinus cold.

One thing the Pediatrician did tell me is that the OTC meds that claim to target ALL the symptoms doesn't work as well as something that specifically targets the main symptom. The med she suggested for coughing is "Delsym". And I think it works GREAT!!

Also you asked about what you can give your daughter with a stomach bug - I remember B.R.A.T..... Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast. All plain - no butter (or very lightly) And of course plenty of water!! This will help confort an upset tummy without medications too!! My kids have learned to ask for these things when they don't feel good!!! When my daughter was sick with a stomach flu, she refused to eat anything other than those 4 things!! As she got better we added jello and chicken noodle soup for a couple days before we went back to regular solids.

Good luck and I hope they feel better soon!!!
A.

I am not sure what to do for the nasal stuff other than steam. You might want to try to put him in a hot bath and close the bathroom door (or just run hot water and let it steam up the bathroom). That helped a lot with my oldest child anytime he had nasal problems. Also, do not let him drink milk if he has any nasal problems. The lactose in the milk will make the nasal congestion worse.

For the upset stomach, my ex mother-in-law told me something very useful and it actually does work. Peel an apple (preferably a red apple) and let your child eat the apple that is stuck to the peel. The peel contains pectin and this soothes an upset stomach. But also the BRAT is good too.

I hope this helps and you guys are in my prayers.

About the cough and stuff. My son went through a period where he always seemed to have cold symptoms. I took him to an allergist where I found out he is actually allergic to cats and that is why we could not get rid of the runny nose, persistent cough and other stuff. I would talk to their dad and see if he has anything at his home that could affect their allergies. You may also want to check into taking them to an allergist.

Hi- we've had our fair share of bugs going through our house since the beginning of October. My two children and I are finally all healthy at the same time! There are a TON of bugs going around this year, and earlier in the season, too.

Keep in mind that it takes a day or two after exposure for symptoms start, so the kids may have been exposed before they even went to their dad's. (I'm not taking sides here....)

I do know that my children don't sleep well when it's really cold or really hot. They toss and turn and wake up with bags under their eyes. Explain to your kids' father that a comfortable house is especially important for little ones who throw their covers off.

Our pediatrician said that most OTC cold meds don't work on children- the cold just needs to take it's course, and I think she's right. I just don't see much of a difference no matter what I try, even the cough suppressant stuff....

Good luck and healthy thoughts to your children....

J.

Hi. My son had the same thing when he was younger and come to find out it was a form of asthma. Not the normal wheezing like most kids. Not saying thats what it is, but its worth checking into.