Sick or Allergies?

Updated on July 28, 2006
H.D. asks from Keller, TX
9 answers

I am a first time mom to a 3 mo. Old little boy. For a couple of days he has had congestion, cough, sneezing, and runny nose. No fever. He acts like he feels okay. He's playing, smiling, and eating as usual. Anyone else's child doing this right now? Is he sick or is it allergies? Do i watch him and see if it progresses or take him to the doctor?

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

We just decided to watch him. Must have been allergies. It passed.

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.B.

answers from Dallas on

I am no doctor H., but my babies have these symptoms year round. I would not take him to the doctor because my pediatrition always suggests Triaminic Orange (for allergies). This does not take all the symptoms away but it helps.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.W.

answers from Dallas on

H.

I wouldnt play around with a 3 month old. Take him to the doctor.

Would you take some time and check out my site? You may or may not be interested but maybe someone you know will be. Its www.swelborn.com

Thank you in advance for your time
K.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.W.

answers from Dallas on

When my daughter was about the same age she had those symptoms minus the cough. When I called the doc about what I could give her we were told to use Little Noses Decongestant Nose Drops. This was all we could do because of her age and because they do have medication you can only use them for 3 days. After that you can use Little Noses Saline Spray Drops. These can be used as often as necessary to help loosen the passages and suction everything out. Since your little one is coughing though you might want to call the doc. It could be just from the mucus in his body or from some other source such as a cat or smoke.

As far as currently, yes both my daughter and I are having cough, runny nose, and congestion from allergies.

Wanted to add...my pedi also said to use a humidifer in the babies room. You can also elevate the mattress in the bassinet or crib where your sons head is. It will make it easier for him to breath. In our bassinet I would fold a burp cloth and place it under the mattress. In her crib I would put blankets underneath to elevate it.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.

answers from Dallas on

Hi H., If it's only been a few days, I think he just has a cold. I have a 5 month old and about a month ago he had what your son had. I used a saline nasal spray and the bulb syringe I got from the hospital several times a day to help with clearing out the nose. It lasted about 6 days. My Dr. doesn't recommend anything else for kids this young.

If your son develops a fever then I would call your Dr. or if it lasts longer than 10 days. Or if he seems to be getting worse(not eating, sleeping a long, long time, or very fussy and not sleeping) or has trouble breathing.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.S.

answers from Dallas on

It is most likely a cold. If he gets a fever or has changes in eating or sleeping take him to the dr. Or if it last longer than 10 days or is getting a lot worse.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.

answers from Dallas on

My now 10 month old son was doing the same thing... except after a couple of weeks, he started coughing... he was still happy and playful. Then I started hearing a little wheezing and I took him into the Pediatrician's office. He had bronchitus. I had to give him breathing treatments to help him breathe to try and prevent some of the wheezing and constricting airflow. She also prescribed an allergy medicine because he was old enough (6 months). He was still happy and playful though!

I would suggest you take him into the doctor.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.S.

answers from Dallas on

Of course I'd take him to the doctor first to see if he is really sick. I never hesitate to take my son in and if it hasn't cleared after a few days I'd go.
My son has allergies but we went through bronciolitis and asthma treatments and all kinds of meds for gerd. He was sneezing, coughing and really congested all the time, especially at night. He didn't sleep well for a long time. We finally changed pediatricians and went to an allergist. After we got on Zyrtec he's been a very different baby. Don't worry too much, especially if he seems okay! :)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.F.

answers from Dallas on

It could be a minor cold, or it could just be allergies. Because of his age there's not much you can give him right now to help with symptoms, if he gets fussy you can give him tylenol to help with any pain. Just keep his nose clear and you can put a humidifier in his room to help with breathing. You could also raise up his mattress a little bit (put a folded up towel under it) to help with congestion. If it persists for more than a week you could always take him to the doctor, little ones can develop ear infections easily from colds or alleriges. And if he starts spitting up more than usual, it's most likely from all the extra drainage (it gets to his tummy so it makes him have an upset tummy). If his runny nose goes from clear, to almost always yellow/green, it could be the sign of an infection. It's hard to tell if it's allergies until you notice that he gets that way a lot during allergy season. If you're concerned, the best thing to do is just call up the pediatrician and ask to speak to a nurse. They can tell you whether or not they think you need to come in, or what signs to look for before bringing him in. Don't be afraid to call, I've even had to call in the middle of the night before and one called me back a few minutes later! I know all this through experience and what Dr.s have told me, I have two little boys which equals lots of colds and infections! Good Luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.M.

answers from Dallas on

My son went through the same thing, he ended up having allergies. If I'm remembering right, at 6 months they were able to put him on an allergy medicine. I also got an air purifier & that has really seemed to do a world of good.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches