At what point should I worry?

Question

My 5 month old has a cold. His nose is very stuffed up and he's coughing. His cough is pretty bad but he's breathing normally and hasn't had a fever. Should I take him to the doctor for the cough or should he be okay since its not causing respiratory distress and he doesn't have a fever?

Answer

If it doesn't seem to get better in a couple days then I would. My girl became sick on Good Friday (i noticed she wasn't sounding like herself, hubby couldn't tell but I did), by Monday night I think it peaked. Was the worst night of my life! I got no sleep worrying about her, she'd cough and then choke (I think on her snot running down her throat) poor girl. But after that night she started getting better. Now she just has a silly cough that's hanging on.

I gave her Tylenol, morning and night (half of her recommended dose, she's 12 pounds, she doesn't need a whole ml) and we have a Vicks humidifier that came with a sample thing, so we used that. But it's definitely stressful watching them go through it.

Answer

Colds often last 7-10 days, so I'd give it time as long as there's no major fever, stridor (harsh, raspy, wheezing breathing), or labored breathing. Use saline rinses and drops to help with the nose congestion, which will help clear up the mucus in his throat. Nasal aspirators are good, too (we like the Nosefrida). Sleeping on a slight incline will help with drainage, so supervised naps in a swing and a small blanket under one end of the crib mattress can work. Hanging out in a steamy bathroom with a hot shower running can reduce congestion and some Vicks on his chest can help with cough, too. Children's Tylenol (ask a doc for dosage) and warm baths can help with the fussies that can come from just plain not feeling good.

Hope he feels better soon!

At what point should I worry?

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