How long should a 2 year old have a cough/runny nose/cold like symptoms before it becomes a cause of concern?

Question

She returned from her grandmother's, who runs an in-home daycare, on 3/13 and she has been sick ever since. She doesn't seem to be feverish, though she is unusually clingy/needy and in a generally poor mood. It's a non-productive cough from what I can tell, but I don't know if she's perhaps swallowing any phlegm that does come up. She has mild congestion, though no difficulty breathing, and a runny nose. I have been giving her cough medicine and it helps a little. It's been a little over a week and though it doesn't seem to be getting worse it isn't getting any better either.

Answer 1

If your child doesn't have a fever and her nasal discharge is clear and her cough isn't productive, I'd let it go for a little longer. Colds can last for while in kids. The cough is usually the last thing to clear up. She could also have some post nasal drip caused by congestion that causes her to cough. I would run a cool mist vaporizor in her room for now. You can try using a decongestant during the day and a cough suppressant at night. If things don't clear up by the 26th or if her symptoms change or worsen ( a fever would develop or her cough worsens, decrease in fluid intake or appetite.) I'd take her into her pediatrician.

M.

Answer 2

A cough is the body's response to inflammation or irritation in the throat, larynx, bronchial tubes or lungs.Some coughs are dry, while others are considered productive.Here are a few simple home remedies that will help to overcome cough. Have honey in a hot drink before bed time. More remedies at http://useinfo6.blogspot.com/

Answer 3

Subject: Coughing

Sorry, no graphic for this one, and don't laugh, it works 100% of the time although the scientists at the Canada Research council (who discovered
it) aren't sure why.

To stop nighttime coughing in a child (or adult as we found out personally), put Vicks Vaporub generously on the bottom of the feet at bedtime, then cover with socks.

Even persistent, heavy, deep coughing will stop in about 5 minutes and stay stopped for many, many hours of relief.

Works 100% of the time and is more effective in children than even very strong prescription cough medicines. In addition it is extremely soothing and comforting and they will sleep soundly.

I heard the head of the Canada Research Council describe these findings on the part of their scientists when they were investigating the
effectiveness and usage of prescription cough medicines in children as compared to alternative therapies like accupressure. Just happened to tune in A.M. Radio and picked up this guy talking about why cough medicines in kids often do more harm than good due to the chemical makeup of these strong drugs so, I listened.

It was a surprising finding and found to be more effective than prescribed medicines for children at bedtime, and in addition, to have a soothing and calming effect on sick children who then went on to sleep soundly.

Lolly tried it on herself when she had a very deep constant and persistent cough a few weeks ago and it worked 100%! She said that it felt like a warm blanket had enveloped her, coughing stopped in a few minutes and believe me, this was a deep, ( incredibly annoying!) every few seconds uncontrollable cough, and she slept cough free for hours every night that she used it.