What to do with a 3-month-old baby with a cough?

Question

Hello, On October 12 our 3 month old baby started coughing. My 3 year old was being treated with antibiotics for the onset of pneumonia. My baby continues to cough and this more and more every day. He chokes, vomits secretions, sleeps little because he is always coughing. He never had a temperature. On October 17, I learned that I was positive for covid. My husband went to the emergency room with the baby because he was coughing all the time. We have never seen this before. After 7 hours of waiting and an X-ray he sent him home saying that if he didn't have a cough and no fever nothing could be done. Since we continue to empty his nose with the babyvac but no improvement. He coughs a lot both day and night. He is drinking less than usual. More or less 20 oz vs 25-27 oz before. We can't afford to wait 8 hours in the emergency room with a screaming baby in the middle of all the coughing people. According to the doctor at the ER we let it go. He drinks less because he often chokes when he drinks. He doesn't sleep well because he is always coughing.

Naji-tom Samaha · Accepted Answer

Hello ma'am, I am so sorry to read about your troubles! What you were told at the emergency room visit is really the only measure at this age. Coughing is very often caused by secretions from the sinuses flowing down the back of the throat. This should be prevented by nasal hygiene with a saline solution followed by a baby wipe There is no maximum number of times during the day, you can perform nasal hygiene as often as needed I also suggest that you encourage your baby to drink as much as possible, even if it means giving smaller amounts at a time In the absence of other symptoms such as fever or deterioration of his general condition, continue monitoring the situation and nasal hygiene. I hope I have been helpful to you and I am available if you have any further questions! Sincerely, Tom Samaha, pharmacist