10/18/2022
Everyone is coughing.
Over the last 2 weeks, we have gotten many many text messages and calls regarding about cough and congestion.
During the COVID lockdowns and in the year of mask wearing that followed, our children did not get regular exposure to the common germs that cause coughs and colds each year. Now that everything is "back to normal," our children, especially our COVID babies that were born during the pandemic, are all being exposed to those common germs again.
It is going to take some time for their little bodies to remember how to fight these common things.
So, this brings me to the title of my post.
Everyone is coughing. All of the children and even some of the adults.
Cough is not bad or dangerous. It actually helps our lungs to stay clear.
When do I worry about cough:
If it is accompanied by a high fever.
If it has been going on for more than ONE WEEK and is not getting better or seems to be getting worse.
If your child is not drinking enough fluids to stay hydrated (urinate once every 8 hours).
If your child is wheezing, having trouble breathing or, can't catch their breath.
When I am less worried about a cough:
If it has been happening for less than 1 week AND your child does not have any of the above symptoms.
They may vomit because they are coughing so hard.
They are breathing normally.
They are eating and drinking normally.
They are acting happy and playful.
They are going to school or daycare.
Their snot has turned from clear to green or yellow for less than a week.
What can we do about their cough is supportive care which includes:
a spoonful of dark honey (buckwheat) before bed in a child over age 1 (you can try Zarbee's cough medicine too b/c it's basically just honey.
Cool mist humidifier in their bedroom for sleep.
Keeping their nose clear by blowing it often or suctioning it often.
Propping their head at night for sleep (big kids only).
Kids over the age of 6 can have Mucinex (single ingredient Guaifenesin only) if you really want to give them something.
We are glad to see your child if you are really worried, but there is not a lot that we are going to do differently for your child if they do not have the worrisome symptoms that I named above.
This is going to be a long and busy winter season. We are predicted to have a bad flu season this year on top of all of the other viruses that are going around already.
So, please be patient with us. We care about each of your children and want to continue to provide the great care that you expect from us. Please help us out by treating your kids' cold symptoms at home with supportive care if they don't have any worrisome symptoms.
Much love to you all.
Dr. Patel
