5 y/o son with PERSISTENT COUGH, SMALL LUMP TOWARDS BACK OF NECK

My son started with a cough a couple weeks ago. He had no other symptoms, including no fever. I did try otc cough/cold meds, which 'seemed' to work for a couple days. By the next week I took him to the pediatrician b/c he started to complain of his chest hurting, but still no fever. The doctor said it was probably a sinus infection, and the cough was caused by the post-natal drainage. And she noticed some fluid on his ear. However, his throat did not look red or sore. She prescribed Augmentum. My son has been on the meds for 5 days now. He is still coughing, and has become pretty fatigued; and, a general lack of apetite. Then, this morning I noticed a tiny, pea-sized lump towards the backside, (right) of his neck. I should add that although the cough has been around almost 2 weeks, he does not cough continuously through the day. Infact there seems to be no rhyme or reason as to when he does cough.
I don't know if I am over-reacting, but I'm starting to be concerned this could be worse than a sinus infection. Has anyone else experienced something similar??

Thanks for any info or suggestions.

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

Sometimes on initiating therapy with this, the cough symptoms are likely to increase in an effort to bring out the secretions. This is important as it helps to bring out the secretions thus clearing the obstruction and the infection. Repeated steam inhalations can help loosen up and bring out the secretions, though this should be done prior to meals.  

If his symptoms are worsening with the antibiotic then the infecting organism may not sometimes be susceptible to the antibiotic. The  cough could also be due to asthma. The swelling could be a lymph node in response to the infection. You will need to consult your doctor who may need to do a sputum culture and sensitivity to determine what antibiotic the organism is susceptible to.  He may even ask for blood test and an X ray.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.