Question
My two-month-old baby has a lot of phlegm, a constant runny nose, and coughing. They have had a fever for 4 days and refuse to eat. They have previously taken infant cough syrup and infant paracetamol. Besides the medication prescribed by the doctor, there has been no improvement. I am now hoping for further assistance. What should I do?
Answer
The baby’s symptoms of excessive phlegm, a persistent runny nose, and coughing are typical of a common cold in children. The cause and treatment of the common cold are relatively straightforward, mainly due to children’s susceptibility to colds, which is related to their physical characteristics and underdeveloped immune systems. Children have narrow nasal passages, soft mucous membranes, and insufficient mucosal gland secretions, making them more prone to dryness and less adaptable to external environments, thus more susceptible to inflammation. Particularly in cases of congenital immune disorders, improper care can lead to fever and high fever, making it difficult for respiratory secretions to be expelled. These are all common causes of childhood colds. Considering that the baby is only two months old and their digestive system is not yet fully developed, it is not recommended to use oral corticosteroids for treatment. It is suggested to feed the baby in small, frequent meals to ensure they have enough energy, drink plenty of water, and use cold medicine if necessary to achieve a therapeutic effect. Fever in children is a response of the body to viruses. For patients with specific complications such as pneumonia or high blood counts, fever reduction and antibiotic treatment can be considered. However, if the body temperature does not exceed 38°C and blood counts are not high, intravenous fluid administration should be avoided as much as possible. Wishing your child good health. The above suggestions are for the question “Help for two-month-old baby with cold,” hoping it will be helpful to you. Wishing you health!