Sick Infant.....?

Question

My 5 month old daughter has bad chest congestion, and a horrible cough. I've been using a vicks vaporizer and am wondering if that is the reason for the sudden productive cough........ She has had a dry hacking cough off and on for the past couple days but only since last night has it gotten worse. I have been using ONLY vapor rub (infants of course) until last night because my son was badly sick and needed it in his room. I can't win for losing... lol.. But anyhow, is it the cause for the productive cough? Is it safe to use with such a small child? I have only had it on for a total of a couple hours. And she also has pimply bumps on her chest and cheeks... Could that be a reaction from the vapor rub?? Her appointment with the doctor is in 2 hours, but I just wanted to get some opinions from other people... Thank You!!!

She has had a mild fever off and on, but not since 2 days ago, before the bad congestion.

Answer 1

Does she have fever? Generally pimply bumps on the chest and trunk with a fever are a sign of an infection that needs treated with antibiotics.

Go get her checked, chest congestion in infants isnt something to mess around with. Their lungs arent fully developed until theyre toddlers and they can very easily end up with pnuemonia.

Answer 2

You should be cautious about using anything medicinal on a continuous basis for such a young child. You probably need to switch to a plain humidifier. BTW, a productive cough is not necessarily a bad thing - it's getting the stuff out. But it's a very good thing you are going to the doctor. Also, you may want to have her sleep in her infant carrier when you can watch her - the elevation is good for her congestion.

Answer 3

yes it was too strong for her, what you should use is a cool mist vaporizer and tent her crib. id put both children in the same room and leave it on all night.
if she gets to bad try a steamy bathroom. it helps them cough up whats in their lungs.