My 16 month old daughter has a cold?

Question

Hello, my 16 month old daughter has just started daycare and was just starting to get over a cold when she caught another one... she is so congested that she can't drink milk (breastfed) despite nasal hygiene with the syringe 6x a day... she coughs a lot, it makes her feel sick and prevents her from sleeping! Could giving helixia prospan syrup help her or is it contraindicated like other cough syrups?

Naji-tom Samaha · Accepted Answer

Hello, thank you for your question, I am sorry to read about your troubles! You are doing the right thing by applying nasal hygiene. I suggest you do it as often as possible, there is no maximum during the day! This is the best way to decrease nasal congestion and discharge, as well as coughing, by preventing secretions from going backwards down the throat. Therefore, I do not suggest Helixia as neither it nor other syrups have been shown to be effective for cough relief. To help with congestion however, I find that applying Vicks ointment (be careful to choose the age appropriate formulation) 1-2 times a day to your child's chest or back can also help relieve congestion a bit. Hopefully I have been helpful, I remain available if you have any further questions! Tom Samaha, pharmacist