Congestion at 5 months

We've all 3 been sick this week. I have an awful head cold, Genevieve had a bit of a fever and some crankiness for a day or so. But my poor little drama queen McKenna is so congested. She's rattling and coughing and gagging herself constantly. Her eyes are all red and tear constantly and she's just so pitiful. I've used the bulb syringe a few times now to get the phlegm from the back of her mouth. That seems to help for 30 minutes or so. I've also taken her in the steam filled bathroom to loosen things up and get them moving. And that helps a little too, but not for long. She's slept in the car seat for the last two days because when she lays down she's much worse. I understand, because I can't lay down right now either. I've got like 3 extra pillows under me!!

What else can I do to help her?? I feel so powerless! Especially when she gags and can't catch her breath and then freaks out and cries because it scares her, which causes her to cough more and then gag and the cycle starts again. :cray:

Any advice would be most welcome! ~ Laura

 

Emma was like this several times througout the winter, and I agree it is SO sad to see them miserable like that!! The two things that helped her big time were saline nose spray (saline only) a couple of times per day and a humidifier in her room at night.

 

We also used the nasal saline drops. Also, I put baby vicks on the side of the shower when it steamed up it worked and I put baby vicks on thier feet with socks on, I don't know why but it seemed to help with some of the congestion.

Hope you all get better soon

 

Maybe you could try a little Pedialyte? It can sometimes work to thin out the mucous. It's so hard, because at that age there is really nothing you can give them besides the saline nose spray. I hope you are all feeling better soon!! :hug99:

 

It sounds like you are doing everything you can.

I hope she gets better soon.

Things to call or see the DR over:

difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, fever, irritability, a marked decrease of appetite, difficulty eating, wheezing and if coughing persists.

 

I second the saline drops, they are great. I also used Gentle Vapors Vapor-Plug by PediaCare. It is a plug in thing that worked great. Its kind of like Vicks but in a plug-in.

Good luck. Poor little baby!

-Kimberly

 

I would try the vicks, make sure you get the baby vicks, not the regular and maybe a vaporizer in her room if possible
sorry she is having she a rough time, hope she and you can get some comfort soon!

Alyson

 

Sounds to me like she needs an antihistamine/decongestant. Personally, I'd take her to the pedi so that she can get a rx for Bromhist drops or Rondec DM drops (i.e. Ceron DM). I keep this stuff stockpiled because it only takes 1 ML (1 dropperful that the medicine comes with) and works GREAT. Based on age and weight, the pedi might prescribe 1/2 or 3/4 dropperful. Typically is given once every 6 hours. After 24 to 48 hours, you should see a difference in her. In addition to this, the vapor plugs and saline drops and bulb syringe should accompany. I use to plug like 2 of those vapor plugs into the wall at night. Great stuff. But as long as she's lying down and that junk is draining to the back of her throat and pooling up, she's going to keep gagging which is why you need some medicine to help dry her up.