#asktheexpert
my daughter have cough and cold suffering lot, night crying and due to continuous cough crying lot, what can I do

Question

#asktheexpert 
my daughter have cough and cold suffering lot, night crying and due to continuous cough crying lot, what can I do

Accepted Answer

If your 8-month-old daughter is suffering from a cough and cold, especially with significant discomfort and crying at night, here are some steps you can take to help alleviate her symptoms and provide relief:

### Immediate Care and Remedies

1. **Keep Her Comfortable:**
   - **Elevate the Head:** Slightly elevate the head of her crib mattress to help with breathing and reduce coughing at night.
   - **Comforting Environment:** Ensure she’s in a comfortable, warm environment. Avoid exposure to cold drafts or sudden temperature changes.

2. **Hydration:**
   - **Encourage Fluids:** Offer breast milk or formula frequently to keep her hydrated. Fluids can help loosen mucus and soothe her throat.

3. **Use a Humidifier:**
   - **Cool-Mist Humidifier:** Use a cool-mist humidifier in her room to add moisture to the air, which can ease coughing and congestion. Ensure it’s clean to prevent mold growth.

4. **Saline Drops:**
   - **Nasal Saline Drops:** Use saline nasal drops or spray to help relieve nasal congestion. They can be used to soften mucus and make it easier to clear from her nose.

5. **Suctioning:**
   - **Nasal Suction:** Gently use a nasal aspirator to remove mucus from her nose if she’s having trouble breathing through it.

6. **Warm Baths:**
   - **Steamy Bath:** A warm bath can help loosen mucus and provide comfort. The steam from the bath can also help with congestion.

7. **Soothing Teas:** (For Older Infants)
   - **Warm Fluids:** For older infants, a small amount of warm water with a touch of honey (if over 12 months) or herbal teas like chamomile can be soothing. Consult your pediatrician before introducing any new fluids.

### Monitoring and Care

1. **Observe Symptoms:**
   - **Fever:** Monitor her temperature. If she has a fever or her symptoms persist for more than a few days, consult your pediatrician.
   - **Breathing Difficulty:** If she shows signs of difficulty breathing, wheezing, or if her symptoms worsen, seek medical attention promptly.

2. **Comfort Measures:**
   - **Gentle Patting:** Gently pat or rub her back to provide comfort during coughing spells.
   - **Reassurance:** Offer lots of cuddles and reassurance, especially during nighttime discomfort.

### When to Seek Medical Help

- **Persistent Symptoms:** If her symptoms persist for more than a week, or if there’s no improvement with home care.
- **High Fever:** If she develops a high fever that doesn’t respond to medication.
- **Breathing Issues:** If she has trouble breathing, wheezing, or shows signs of distress.
- **Dehydration:** Signs of dehydration (e.g., dry mouth, fewer wet diapers) should be addressed immediately.

### Avoid Certain Treatments

- **Avoid Over-the-Counter Cough Medicine:** Most over-the-counter cough medicines are not recommended for infants under 2 years old.
- **No Honey for Under 12 Months:** Do not give honey to infants under 12 months due to the risk of botulism.

### Additional Tips

- **Healthy Diet:** Ensure she continues to receive a balanced diet if she’s eating solids. Foods like pureed fruits and vegetables can be soothing.
- **Hand Hygiene:** Practice good hand hygiene to prevent the spread of illness, especially if you’re around others who are sick.

By providing comfort and using these remedies, you can help manage her symptoms and make her more comfortable. However, if you’re ever in doubt or her condition seems to worsen, don’t hesitate to contact your pediatrician for further guidance.

#asktheexpert my daughter have cough and cold suffering lot, night crying and due to continuous cough crying lot, what can I do