Need Help Re. Congestion

Updated on February 28, 2008
F.D. asks from Moorpark, CA
66 answers

Hello - I need help/suggestions/etc.
My 20 month old daughter has a wicked case of sinus congestions. We went to her pediatrician and she said her lungs are all clear. There is no fever. She has a runny nose/sneasing/sore throat with a wicked cough and teary eyes. She is tired - mainly from a lack of sleep due to caughing. I keep a steamer in her room. I do the salin drops. Her matress is elevated. There is plenty of liquids - though i think she is slowing down on that due to her sore throat. I am getting frustrated because it's hard for me to watch her going through this and not being able to elevate this in some way. Does any one have any other suggestions on how i can help her along. I am not looking for medication per say - just any other way of helping her. I was thinking of honey to coat her throat...
Please send me any advice. I would greatly appreciate. Thank you.

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So What Happened?

WOW - what an amazing response! Thank, all you amazing women and mothers! I loved your suggestions and oddly it seems vicks on feet is a great hidden treasure (why don't they put that on the jar?). My little one is already better - her nose is drying up and her caughing has seazed. I did give her honey (i wasn't afraid of allergies, since i've given it before in milk) - but this time i gave it to her off the spoon. It seemed to have soothed her caugh. I will keep everyone's advices for the future and use some of them on myself when i get sick. :)
Much love and blessing to all the wonderful mothers out there.

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S.P.

answers from San Luis Obispo on

Place Vicks vapor rub on her feet andput socks on her feet she will sleep all night it works like a charm, I hope this helps, remember on her feet with socks

sap

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M.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hello:

steamer her room can be the cause remember tap water have a lot of clorin and other bad thing.
Open windows fresh air is what she needs warm air inflamet the pipe in the throat.

Maria the most excpert nanny in the west side

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L.L.

answers from San Diego on

This might sound crazy but try putting Vicks vapor rub on the bottom of her feet and then socks over them. I recommend trying this at bedtime. I've heard it takes any cough away and works really well with children.
Good luck!

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M.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi F.:

Sounds like allergies to me. My suggestion to you is that you visit NAET.com, order and read the book "Say Good-Bye to Children's Allergies" and make an appointment to consult with an NAET certified doctor. I (and 2 of my grand children) go to Dr. David Karaba in Fullerton and absolutely love him. His phone number is ###-###-####. One of the wonderful things about NAET is that for children or the infirm, they can be treated through a surrogate, i.e., you. Here is the description paragraph from the book information.

"Say Good-bye to Children’s Allergies
By - Devi S. Nambudripad, M.D., D.C., L.Ac., R.N., Ph.D.

In Say Good-bye to Children’s Allergies, Dr. Devi S. Nambudripad, the developer of NAET®, will help you understand your child’s illness and will assist you in finding the right help to achieve better health for your child. This book will show you how certain commonly used products in your foods and environment can cause health problems in your child; how you can test your child in your privacy of your own home using the Nambudripad’s Testing Techniques described in the book. This book will educate you how your child’s health problems can relate to allergy, a traditionally under-diagnosed or misdiagnosed condition; and, how allergies can manifest into myriad symptoms that might seem unrelated. The author also provides remedies for mild conditions of common childhood ailments arising from allergies and how to find help in assisting your child find the right help for serious problems such as, asthma, hay-fever, common colds, sinus problems, milk allergy, peanut allergy, sugar allergy, hives, gastritis, vomiting, colic for newborns, ear infections, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, bronchitis, drug reactions, and many other conditions. Dr. Nambudripad explains how allergies are often the underlying causes to pediatric problems and how NAET® testing procedures and NAET® treatments can offer relief from these allergies. The book is supported by NAET® practitioners’ testimonials and patients’ success stories."

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A.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi F. -
I have used eucalyptus oil to help my son (15 months) in the past. I usually put a few drops on a moist cloth near the heating vent or crib. You can also add a few drops of lavender to the same cloth to help soothe your baby. Whole Foods has some nice organic oils that are reasonably priced and of decent quality.
Eucalyptus can help to dilate the passages in the lungs and lavender is good for promoting a restful sleep and to soothe/relax the body. Also Lemon oil might be a good one for you (inhaled or placed on the wrists or throat) - it is great for fending off illness and lifting spirits in general. (I know when my husband is gone and my little guy is sick - it's pretty tough!!) Hang in there :)
Wishing you the best with your little one :)
A.

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L.E.

answers from Honolulu on

Try a antihistamine, like benadryl for children. Honey can definately help a sore throat, especially in hot tea. Also try vicks vapor rub on her chest. It usually works for my kids. Don't give her cough medicine, they had a huge thing on the news about giving kids cough medicine, under the age of six years old it makes things worse for them than better.

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G.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

I would'nt do honey , but I would suggest popsicles pedilte even makes some freezer pops if you odnt want to do popsicles but the coolness will help her throat and she'll be getting fluids at the same time, good luck.

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L.L.

answers from San Diego on

Hi F.,
Sounds like your little sweetheart has allergies. She may be experiencing what we all experience when it rains – an allergic reaction to mold and mildew in a closed environment. This is also the time when a lot of spring flowers are blooming – juniper, sage, and all other sorts of pollen-generating bushes and trees. Ask your physician about the possibility of seasonal allergies. My naturopathic doctor gives me drops to put under my tongue that seems to help. I can’t recall what the name is but these are over-the-counter remedies that most health food stores carry.
Hope this helps.
L.

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R.J.

answers from San Diego on

Hi F.,
Homeopathics work very well and are safe to use on children. You should check them out at your local health food store. There is a homeopathic for nearly every symptom and they WORK.

Whatever to do, please don't give your child drugs. There is a natural cure for everything,

S.I.

answers from San Diego on

Dear F.,

Is your daughter eating dairy products, specifically milk and cheese? What many Americans don't realize is that once children are weaned, they often have a reduced tolerance of milk products, especially cow's milk (which has a very different profile from mother's milk). When dairy undergoes pasteurization, the very enzymes we need to digest it get destroyed. The result is that the dairy products become toxins.

It is well known in Chinese medicine that dairy is one of the biggest phlegm and sinus congestion producers on the planet. Try taking your daughter off all dairy for a three-week period. Try soy milk (if she tolerates it), rice milk, or almond milk in the meantime. If you give her plenty of veggies, you won't have to worry about calcium intake. Asian women (who culturally do not eat dairy) have lower rates of bone density problems than Western women.

Best of luck!

S. I., L.Ac.
Lotus Wellspring Healthcare
456 E. Mission Road, Suite 100
San Marcos, CA 92069
###-###-####
____@____.com
www.lotuswellspring.com

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C.A.

answers from Los Angeles on

First advice. Get a second opinion from another doctor. Your child could have allergies and/or a sinus infection. Did the doctor take a blood test to check for allergies, elevated white blood cell count (indicates infection), sinus xrays, take a nasal swab and test for infection? There are blood tests that can indicate allergies without skin testing. I had the same problem with my son when he was a toddler. He had ALLERGIES and a chronic SINUS INFECTION. The treatment was frequent nasal suctioning, long term antibiotic therapy for six months, antihistamines. He was skin tested at the age of four and was basically allergies to grasses, trees, cats. DO YOU HAVE ANY ANIMALS IN THE HOUSEHOLD? IF YES< REMOVE IMMEDIATELY! See if that makes a difference. You must also clean the house of any animal dander and dust. No plants in the house. In your child's room, remove all stuffed animals, furniture. Cover the mattress with a plastic cover. Get new pillows and cover them with a plastic cover. This is to eliminate the possibility of dust mite allergies. Get rid of curtains and put in plastic blinds. Also try one of those ion air filters. Also eliminate any possibly source of molds. Another possibility is mold spore allergies. My daughter was allergic to molds and cats. She had asthma. If you see an improvement from these measures, then you probably have your cause. In almost all cases of runny nose, congestion, etc without an infection the cause is allergies. Your doctor dropped the ball there. Believe me, I know exactly what you are going through. I had two allergic children out of three. Good luck and let me know if any of this helped.

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C.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

It looks like you have already gotten some good responses. You should add some drops of essential oils to the babys humidifier. Add a couple drops of wintergreen and eucalyptus oils to help with the congestion, and a couple drops od tea tree oil as well, to help keep the water clean.
You can buy essential oils from stores like Henry's, and Whole Foods.

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T.B.

answers from Honolulu on

my nine month is experiencing the same thing. just today the ped put him on the albuterol treatment. he hasnt had a cough all night so far.

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O.R.

answers from Los Angeles on

A lot of people have had great results by rubbing Vicks vapor rub into their childs feet at bed time - sounds crazy but seems to work. In many cases the coughing stops completely.
Also, again sounds crazy but tried and tested - Get an asian pear and cut it in half and then half again.
Slice one or two green onions and put everything into a pan. Cover with about two or three inches of water and bring to a boil. Let it simmer for five to ten minutes - set aside to cool down and give to your little one to drink. You can add some ginger unless this makes it too spicey. Seems like it would taste ghastly but actually it's strangely pleasant and really works.
If that's a lot of hassle any good quality pear juice - preferably warmed is great for bronchial/chesty/congestion.
Good luck!

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N.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

Have you tried a nutritionist and / or a chiropractor.

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L.D.

answers from San Diego on

try rubbing her chest at night with Vickes and or place cotton balls in the steam with Vickes on them this will help to open her sinus so she can breath. In most cases you just have to let it run it course. I use to sit up at night holding my boys so they could breath. Good luck.

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T.Y.

answers from Los Angeles on

No honey for kids 2 yrs. and below.It causes mental dysfunctions .Ask your Pedia. about that.Vicks Vaporub may do a trick.a little to rub and massage her back.

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W.J.

answers from Los Angeles on

You poor thing. When you say "steamer" are you referring to a cool mist humidifier? I know they have the warm mist and cool mist. When my kids get sick, they always end up with the sinus congestion and coughing all night. I have always used the cool mist humidifer and Vick's vapor rub on their chest and/or back. It really helps alleviate the coughing (at least at nighttime!). If you do try this, make sure her door is at least partly closed to keep the humidity in and you might want to throw an extra blanket on her--it tends to make the room a little cool. Do you have forced heating? If you are running your heater at night, that tends to dry out the air and her sinuses. I know it seems like the sinuses need to "dry out" but that is actually the problem (sinus passages need to be moist.) Seems like you all need a little sanity. Good luck with that. Hope you get some good advice and that your child gets better soon. P.S. Keep up the good work. Seems like you've tried a lot of different things. You're a good mommy!!

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D.K.

answers from Los Angeles on

Rub Vicks vapor rub on souls of her feet and put sock over them. It will really help clear up the congestion and help all of you sleep better,
Good Luck!

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T.K.

answers from Honolulu on

My suggestion is to take your daughter to the chiropracter. My daughter was sickly as an infant with sinus infections, ear infections etc.... She was constantly on a nebulizer every time she got sick. She was even hospitalized at 11 months old with pnuemonia. My sister kept telling me to go to the chiropractor and I just couldn't understand how that was going to help. But believe me it has changed our lives! I also grew up with Asthma, sinus infections, allergies etc...

Once my family started going to the chirpractor we stopped getting sick as much and when we did get sick our colds were very short lived and not as severe as before. When my daughter would get sick I literally had to sleep sitting up with her because she had such difficulty breathing. The ear infections stopped and she has not been on the nebulizer at all since we started with the chiropractor. It has been 9 years now and we still continue to go regularly. I know that it can be a bit expensive but our chiropractor works with families and their finances, because not all insurances cover chiropactic care. We are willing to make the sacrifice because we have seen first hand how much it helps. My husband and I also benefit from the chiropractor. I rarley suffer from my allergies as I did before. My husband broke his neck and suffered for 17 years with massive headaches to the point where he would just drop from the pain. he would describe the pain as if someone took a hold of your nerves and jumped off a bridge hanging from them. Very excrutiating! He seldom has that kind of pain now, all because of the chiropractor!

Dr. Mark Hoffman at Island Family Chiropractic is where we go. But there are many great chiropractors out there but do some homework because they are not all the same. Hope this helps.

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D.G.

answers from Los Angeles on

I feel your pain. My two year old just went through the same thing and since they are now warning against cough and cold medicines for children, I tried the old home remedy, honey. I was amazed at how well it works! Its actually even better than medications. Its really thick and has a strong taste, so I mix it in his milk and he loves it. Now whenever he is coughing, etc., he requests honey milk.
Good luck

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A.O.

answers from Las Vegas on

Great job on all you are doing so far. Sometimes docs are no help. I personally like to use the homeopathic way and use herbs. I rub my daughters chest with Menthol camphor, no not vicks.. I also use a herbal mixture that is called sinus mixture, you rub it on the sinus areas of the child. You yourself can use these remedies on an adult as well. Or even a menthol bath. We also take menthol crystals from the herb shop and melth them in a small potpourri burner in the evening to open the nasal passages. I do not know if you have an herbal shops or whole foods stores around you, but these are the methods we have used on our daughter for the past. They seem to work for us.. Good luck..

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H.W.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi F. D.,
I'm H. W. I'm a Respiratory Therapist in a large children's hospital in California. I'm also the mother of two beautiful children ages 6 and 8. It sounds like your precious little girl has allergies. She has all the symptoms. The sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, coughing and watery eyes are all symptoms of allergies. You might want your pediatrician to test her. Then they can tell you exactly what she's allergic to and how best to treat it. You may not need medications. Treating her may be as simple as keeping her away from the things she's allergic to. I hope this helps you and your little girl. Good luck!
Hugs and best wishes, H. W.

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R.W.

answers from Los Angeles on

My three year old son was doing the same about two weeks ago-it lasted for four days straight of him constantly coughing, sneezing, runny nose, burning eyes etc. etc.
I remembered my sister-in-law had mentioned stinging nettle tea for allergies. So, I made him some and sweetened it a lot with stevia which is thirty times stronger than sugar, but calls for only a tiny bit and is derived directly from a plant.
He liked the taste, and every time he'd start coughing or sneezing, he'd drink some.
When he was having a really bad coughing bout, sneezing runny nose the first time I made it, he almost immediately stopped coughing and within an hour his eyes cleared up and I could tell he was feeling much better. It also seemed to get the runny nose under control. So, I just used the capsules -boiled the water, added a few, then let it steep covered for fifteen minutes (a little strainer would have been nice too, but I don't have one yet).
It was incredible to watch the results immediately. You should be able to find stinging nettle in a tea or capsule form, or drops-or whatever else a local health or herbal store has available.
You're doing all the right things otherwise. It's not fun watching your little one go through this. It really takes a toll on their bodies.
Otherwise, my kids love lemon honey water heated up-that seems to soothe their throats and slow down the coughing a bit and it's like juice without the sugar to aggravate the symptoms.

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M.P.

answers from Los Angeles on

Honey is a very good idea. Local honey is the best. I assume you are in the south bay area of LA??? Ever heard of Wilson Park in Torrance? They have a farmer's market on Saturday's and there is a booth there that sells honey. Get the buckwheat honey (ask if she has any avacado honey) look at all the jars and pick out the darkest honey you can find. Give her a small bit every morning and wouldn't hurt to give her a little taste at night too.

I am 42 years old and have always suffered with sinus allergy attacks. Since i've been taking a teaspoon of honey every morning it's been much better. It puts the area pollen in our system through the honey so it does so much good. Also helps get rid of sore throats!

you may also try putting (don't laugh at me here...) rub her feet with vicks vaporub (grown up kind) and put her socks on when she goes to bed... don't ask why, old wives remedy that's worked in my family for years. Can't hurt to try it!

Also... when you take a nice hot shower let her be in the bathroom with you... the steam will do her good.

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N.G.

answers from Los Angeles on

sounds like allergies
your doing all the right things
maybe she has asthma

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M.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

netty pot or Rhino horn...used for nasal cleansing..used by singers and yoga practicers forever...

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S.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

honey works AMAZING.. but give it to her about one hour before sleeping because it makes them a little hyper... also tryo putting a pillow under her head .. that worked great with my dauther lat week (18 months)

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L.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

vapor rub does a childrens version it cherry flavored. try that it should sooth the cough and let her sleep. i used it on both my kids.

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J.C.

answers from Honolulu on

do you have any animals, like cats or dogs? If so maybe she has developed and allergy to them.

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S.G.

answers from San Diego on

There is a strong possibality that your child has an allergy or is sensative to somehing in her enviroment. It could be most anything, food, smoke, cleaning supplies, mold,fabrics, medicine, carpets, household dust, animals, etc. You will need to be a determined detective,investigator since many things can cause congestion. Keep a record of the problem, what you tried, the result and the date. Probably you will find more than one thing that bothers her, and you may have to change some things in your activities and lifestyle. I rcommend consulting an osteopath or wholestic docter to help identify the exact sensatitives. The traditional allergy test are just not adequate for this type of problem.

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D.R.

answers from Los Angeles on

My 5 yr old has the same thing. My doctor said to give her a spoon full of honey for the cough. I have been giving her that Muchinix melt away for the sinus conjestion. It helps break away all the sinus junk. Hope your little one feels better soon.

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B.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

As a person with life-long sinus issues, I totally understand your daughter's experience. It's such a challenge to get the nose to drain out. I don't have any great suggestions except to take her in the bathroom and turn the shower on hot, close the door and sit. The steam in the room with help to loosen things to help it drain.

As for the cough, the Vapo-rub on the feet remedy is a miracle. We learned of it this past fall, and I have told so many people about it. You won't believe how well it works. Better than cough syrup. It will help her sinuses a bit. Put some under her nose and it might help clear her nose. But definitely put it on the soles of the feet and put some socks on. You will be amazed at how well it works.

Take care,
B.

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D.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hello

I heard that if you put a little vapor-rub on their feet and put socks on them over night. It should help them from coughing that much. I usually used an asperator for the runny nose and my 20 months old son feels a little relief afterwards. Hope this help.

Good Luck,

D.

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T.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

Have you tried taking her to an allergist. Sometimes they can detect things that a regular primary doctor can not detect.

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B.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

Assuming she is not allergic to bees, raw honey from a local source is a great way for her to build antibodies to fight allergies that may be the cause of her sinus drip and runny nose. My mom alway gave my sister and i raw honey comb from local growers to help my sister with her hayfever, allergies and more. honey is a wonderful food and the only one that never spoils! Check with your doctor of course, because if she is allergic to bees it could be a problem. Raw and local sources are much better than other store brands.
best of luck

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R.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

This probably isn't as helpful as what you're hoping for, but I know your frustration (mine is also 20 months) and with recent recalls docs are even reluctant to give prescriptions and they have to be really careful about antibiotics these days too. I know all the docs and everyone reccomends against sleeping with your kids, but especially when mine is sick and now that she's old enough to move the blankets around, it just works better when she can sleep with me. It is comforting to her and although she still coughs, sniffles etc, she spends less time crying and calling for me. I elevate my bed a little too and put her between her dad and I, or, when he is away between me and one of those really long pillows so she doesn't roll off.

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S.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

Do not give her honey! I don't remember exactly why but I remember something about it not being safe for kids under 5. Call your Ped's office and ask them to recommend a over the counter med that will help her sleep. It is just a matter of time before she is well again, her little system is getting stronger as she learns to fight these viruses.

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K.G.

answers from Los Angeles on

Try Delsym--all natural cough syrup--it should help her get rest she needs.

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P.W.

answers from Los Angeles on

Try rubbing her chest, neck and a little under her nose with some Vick Vapor Rub (menthol is what works). It opens the pores so she can breathe freely. However, make sure to clean off when going out so pores are closed and she won't catch cold.

I suffer from sinusitis and migraines - only thing that works and gives me relief from the headaches, sinus congestion and coughing.

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K.G.

answers from Los Angeles on

Try changing her diet. Milk can cause the post nasal drip symtoms you are talking about and then when she lays down the dripping goes down her throat and causes the coughing.

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C.O.

answers from Los Angeles on

Honey is not recommended for children under age of two because of bacteria in honey---I would suggest going to New Spirit website---check out all natural remodies---there are many sites to look at---flaxseed is supposed to be helpful. Good luck!

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J.K.

answers from Los Angeles on

NeilMed sinus rinse. It's a little uncomfortable...you'll have to set her up with a reward for when you do it, but it really helps clear out the sinuses and give relief. It's simply saline...no medication. They have adult and pediatric versions....get both, do yours first so she can see that it doesn't hurt and then do hers. It's easies if you have her stand in the bathtub so she doesn't have to lean over the sink.

good luck!

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J.G.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi SAM,
I know you said you weren't looking for medication but I would just ask your doctor about singular.. it's generally more for allergies/asthma but they gave it to my little one for sinus problems/congestion. Also, if she is not sleeping.. drive her around in the car and let her get a great nap that way (she'll be sitting up so it will be easier for her to breathe).

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R.S.

answers from Honolulu on

For the congestion: Liquid Guaifenesin
Musinex and Triaminic make a childrens liquid.

For her throat: Warm lemon water with honey

For immediate comfort: Lavender and Eucalyptus oil rubbed on her back and chest.

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D.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

I would at least give her Tylenol for the sore throat, which isn't bad for her and it will give het comfort which may help her sleep better. My Ped says vicks on the chest too or they have vicks plug in's for the room that have worked for us.

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S.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

I heard to rub baby vicks vapor rub on their feet and put socks on. My daughter slept great after not sleeping for nights. Its an old wives tale that worked for us. I have 4 kids! S.

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E.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hello. My husband had the same symptoms for 4 weeks. When he finaly went to the doctor we found out he had allergies. Since then he has been taking allergy medication and he's a lot better! I know they have allergy medicine for children. You might want to try that.

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S.C.

answers from Spokane on

My 2 year old had the same problem. The air quality for southern California has been the worse in years and the little ones get strongly effected by it. I gave her camomile tea with honey and cinnamon. It really helped with her throat. Lots of liquids.We have air purifiers in the house. It lasted for three weeks then went away.

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M.F.

answers from San Diego on

You are describing my daughter, she had the same problem and it didn't go away until I took her to an Allergist. He discovered she is allergic to dust mites and that's why it happens more at night (from her bed). She takes allergy pills every night, we clean her nose every night (special bottle with water and salty solution), we have an air filter in her room that runs 3-4 hours a day everyday. My life has changed since then, now she can sleep and so do we. My allergist said not to use a humidifier because in her case, dust mites reproduce themselves even more in humide environments. Hope it helps you.

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K.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

F.,

Absolutely- honey is great for soothing the throat!

There is an organic baby store on Ventura in Studio City called Green Cradle. They also are on-line although not all of their products are posted yet. They are AMAZING, incredibly knowledgeable and certainly worth a look. One thing the owner did tell me was honey. There are lots of other things you can try that are made from essential oils that could help including drops for the bath tub. You could also take your little peanut into a steamy bathroom. That helps a lot.

Good luck- I know it's a tough thing to get through!

K.

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B.K.

answers from Los Angeles on

Honey will help her throat, but in my (unfortunately frequent)experience, the real key is over-the-counter decongestant. The cough and sore throat are most likely due to post nasal drip, and you really need to address the congestion. I have tried everything (homeopathic, herbal, etc.) and nothing works like some Sudaefed. Havng said that, you might want to try a few drops of oil of oregano in her drink, or wild cherry bark. You can get these at Whole Foods.
Good luck!

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B.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi,
I am sorry to hear about your situation... miserable! The colds going around this year are horrendous. One thing you may try is putting vicks vapor rub on her feet - massage it into her feet well and it will affect her senses fairly quickly. It may bring some relief. I wish you luck... it does pass, but takes time.

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A.J.

answers from Los Angeles on

F.,
I DEFINATELY would check with her pediatrician. Honey contains botulism in and can have SERIOUS consequences. Hang in there. Something has to work right? Thinking of you!
A.

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L.L.

answers from Honolulu on

Aloha F.,
I'm sorry to hear that your daughter is not doing so well. Try these few home remedies and see if they help:
- Fresh oregano tea. (just a few sprigs in hot water and you can add sugar to sweeten the tea, if you like) This helps with the cough.
- Put Vick's Vapor Rub on her feet for the cough as well, and some of her chest and throat to make her breath better at night specially. Because night time is always the worse.
- Try a eucaliptus bubble bath. This will be fun for her. They sell them at the health food store. The brand is California baby.

I hope she gets better soon.

Aloha!

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S.G.

answers from Los Angeles on

I am going through something similar. My 2 month old has really bad congestion where when she coughs, she gags. She isn't sleeping too well. Her pediatrician told me besides elevating the mattresses, I put her in our bathroom and steamed it up. I also am rubbing vicks baby rub on her chest and back. One thing her dr. did mention was to after feeding her, put her belly side down across my knees and pound (of course softly) on her back. The vibrations will loosen up the mucus so she will start coughing/gagging and spit up the mucus. It worked! I couldn't believe how better she gotten. Keep using the bulb syringe and the saline sprays. Also my 2 1/2 yr old is experiencing the stuffy running nose w/the watery eyes......it's just going around unfortunately. Good luck!

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H.D.

answers from Los Angeles on

Dear F.,
Hang is there... I know what you are going through. My daughter is 3 yrs old and was suffering from the same symptoms on and off for 3 years. Whenever she got a cold, it used to just linger and linger. she used to cough non-stop all night. I know how frustrating it is especially when you have no help ( my husband is also travelling quite a bit). What worked for us eventually was to have her tonsills and adenoids taken out. It was a hard descision but she is doing much better now. This may not however be what your daughter needs. I can't really recommend anything other than what you are already doing. Have you checked for allergies? have you tried homeopathics? maybe this can help...I can only offer you my support. Please know that you are not alone. I hope your daughetr gets better soon. Love,
H.

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A.K.

answers from San Diego on

Hi F.:

I just became a member and read your story. I work for a health clinic. When my son was 3, he got a couple of ear infections. I had told a nurse at work about it and she said that he son had had the same problem around the same age. She told me to give him the recommended dose (? 1 tsp.?) of Dimetapp at bedtime - every night (even after symptoms disappear) - for a couple of weeks - as preventative therapy. Her son never had an ear infection after that - and neither did mine. All of your daughter's symptoms could stem from her plugged sinuses that cannot drain when horizontal. If you give her a decongestant at bedtime, this may clear all of symptoms....since they're all related. Good luck!

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A.L.

answers from San Diego on

Hi Sam, it sounds as if she is fighting something and her body is trying to get rid of it. I would not give her medication either they have too many side affects. Her body has the ability to heal itself. I have all natural herbs that help regenerate, cleanse the body that are safe with no hormones, additives or preservatives. You probably will not need much and it's a natural whole food. Please call me if you are interested. I would like to see her regain her health as well.

Angie ###-###-####

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A.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

I would ask for a second opinion. My niece just had her tonsils and adenoids taken out for, it sounds like the same thing. She struggled with it for almost 17months, until finally my sister got a second opinion and they took her T and A's out and now she is totally normal. She is 20 months old also. I know its scary but if it will help her get better its the best thing.
Good Luck sweetheart.

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N.F.

answers from Los Angeles on

My daughter has the same type of symtoms... she has allergies. For the nighttime coughing I usually put a thin layer of Vick's VaporRub on the bottoms of her feet and put socks on her. That helps with the coughing, I promise. I know it sounds funny but it works. As for the congestion and all that... she has Dimetapp and nasal spray such as Flonase and Nasonex... prescribed by the doctor. Did I mention she is 3 years and 4 months old. We go for blood work on 3/7 to see what she's allergic to. It seems she is sick everytime the weather changes. Hope this helps.

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S.B.

answers from San Diego on

Hi- I am a pharmacist and can help you with this problem. You are doing a lot of what we would recommend already. The vaporizer (or humidifier) allows you to add moisture in the room to aid in loosening the mucous. As a booster- depending on which product you have- some have an additive (vaposteam for example) that add menthol into the air to open airways. Sometimes it is good to have a runny nose to help remove allergens and the mucous. A warm bath each night before bedtime will help to loosen the phlegm that is in the sinuses and aid in sleep. Use the bulb syringe to remove accessible mucous as well. The vicks baby vapo rub has menthol in it that can be rubbed on the chest only (not under the nose) that can allow for easier breathing as well. Keep up the fluids as much as you can.

For the sore throat, use baby tylenol or motrin. I do like the motrin (Advil) products better because they last longer, and are also anti-inflammatory to help with the sore throat more effectively. The sneezing is a natural reflex to help remove what is in the nose. ONly if it seems constant do we want to seek out an anti-histamine (which then dries up the nose more, and can cause more congestion)

We usually avoid Honey in children under 2- but some sources say 18 months due to allergies. If you have given this before, then it is okay. If the child will drink warm teas, then a honey lemon would be best.

I hope this helps. There are obviously some OTC products that are cold medications that can do more, but I always try the least amount on medications possible in my children, and thus attempt that with my customers as well first. If it just does not go away, then you may be looking at some type of infection.

I hope this helps you.

thanks
S.

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A.W.

answers from San Diego on

I am experiencing the same problem with my 17-month old. His pediatrician recommended elevating the end of his crib where his head is. He also recommended putting a humidifier in the bedroom with him. He also said to keep using that nose bulb to suck out the excess mucus. I don't have any other suggestions....sorry! Good luck!

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L.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

I had a similar run in with the same symptoms. There is an OTC (over the counter) product called little noses. Only treat the runny nose. There is also sailene (salt water) only nose spray that works called OCEAN (orange and white bottle). Hope some of these work.

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T.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

Lots of Steam I take my kids into the shower right before bed and put the hotter on the hottest it will go and just sit in the shower with them so that it breaks up the congestion. and the old and faithful vicks vapor rub. they also have the vapor bath which really helps to.

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A.W.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi F.,

I have four children and raised them all. I remembered I am not fun of giving them medication over the counter so what I done for them, if they have congested, I usually run the hot steam water in the bathroom and I sit my baby with me for an hour and let him/her clear the congestion. At least three times or twice a week until she feel better. Also I heard that rub her feet with small amount of vicks vapo rub every night she goes to bed and it will help her sleep smoothly and soundly. See if will help her and please let me know. Good luck and patience because having children is precious but we have to sacrificed a lot for them. I don't know how I did on my four children. They're 25 yrs old daughter,married and had 18 mths daughter,my 21 yrs old son lived and studied Video and Games in NY, my 16 yrs old daughter was in Junior College already, 14 yrs old son was freshman in high school. They're all healthy and I keep them busy at school and extra curricular activities.

A.

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