Cough & Congestion - Newberry Family Health Center

Cough/Congestion
IIf your child has a dry cough, clear nasal discharge, no temperature, is active, or has loose congestion, follow the home care instructions below. If he/she has a temperature of over 101 degrees, is wheezing, has shortness of breath, is lethargic (extremely drowsy or not moving much), has a croupy cough, has ear pain, tight congestion, or has an inability to swallow, check in to our office immediately. After two days, if the home treatment is not helping, the patient has a temperature greater than 101 degrees , has yellow nasal discharge or mucus, has a chronic cough, or is active but still has loose congestion, schedule an office visit.

If you child is a newborn to a three month old infant, you can make salt water nasal drops with a mixture of 1/4 tsp. salt to 4 oz. of water. Use a cool mist vaporizer.
If he/she is more than three months old, use over-the-counter medications as directed. Administer Tylenol or Advil for pain or fever.
If the home treatment doesn't help after 48 hours, make an appointment at our clinic.
Give the child clear fluids instead of formula or milk.
Elevate the head of the bed or carrier seat. If this is not possible, elevate your child's head.
Encourage chewing gum for possible ear pain (if an older child).
Cool his/her room to relieve the cough.
For a croupy cough, expose your child for 20 min. to hot shower by sitting down in the bathroom with your child on your lap. DO NOT put him/her in the hot water.

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