2 year old w/ very bad cold, cold medicine debate....

Sorry to post another question again so quickly, but I havn't been on much lately, so I guess I am making up for lost time, lol!  

My poor daughter is very sick right now w/ a bad cold. She is coughing, sneezing, running nose, glassy eyed, warm but not running a fever, and has vomited a few times from the phlem(sp?) she is producing... a lot! I feel so bad for her, I am trying to do everything I can for her, but she is one sick kid...She is almost 26 months. I have been hearing on the news in recent months about not giving children under 2 any type of cold medicine(the kind that was supposed to be designed for them), as the research is poor and the effects are unknown in small children and can do more harm than good. I felt mad, because we had given her some decongestent in the past when she was a younger infant, for times when she was this sick before. I know she is over 2 now, but I am weary to give her the stuff, but I so badly would like to find something to take away her phlem, because it is so bad it is making her gag every few minutes...We have been trying all the old fashioned remedies, but nothing seems to bring her relief and she is miserable and has been crying almost non stop for a day or more. I don't know what else to do for her...does anyone know the latest on medicine for small children? Is there another way to reduce her phlem besides avoiding milk...is there anything I can give her? I don't know what to think about the whole cold medicine debate, but I plan to avoid giving anything to my other dd once she is born, now that I know better. What else can I do?

[wonderme]

Sorry to hear she isn't feeling well.  It's the worst when you feel helpless.

I'm always worried about giving medicine to my kids (they are 8 and 11 now!), but I have to say that I did give them infant/childrens cold medicine when they were little and they were fine.

That being said, I think with my new little one coming, I may be even more reserved.

I always steam my kids when they're congested, use a vaporizer and plenty of fluids -- can be popsicles or soup or any liquid you can get into them.  The fluids help thin the mucous and are more important than solids right now (still need to eat, though!).  Also, I would definitely use the nasal -- sorry drawing a blank what it is called! -- but that sucks the mucous out of their nose.  She may really resist, but it will certainly make her feel better.  And, most sherbet doesn't have (or very little) dairy in it.  Tastes good, soothes the throat and more fluids.  I even mix it with some sprite and it's really good and she might enjoy some of the fizz.

Just some ideas...

Also, a call to the pediatrician to see what they recommend as far as the cold medicine.

Hope she feels better soon!!

[amberd5191]

How long has she been sick? It sounds like it could be a sinus infection, which would need antibiotics.

[peekawho]

I second the comment about calling the ped.  

[lovethebops]

Well, this is only her second day, so I don't think she has a sinus infection, yet.

She has been this sick before w/ a cold, and ususally she gets over them very fast. It has been a few hours and her mood seems better, but the phlem is still there. I put her down for her afternoon nap a little early, because she is so uncomfortable and tired. She is just whiney and upset, basically how we all get when we get a bad cold, at least I do:) I have a little snot sucker (bulb thing), but she hates it and I have to fight her to get it near her nose, it's really a two person job...

I could call her ped., he is so great I'm sure he could suggest something. However, she does not have a fever, and has only thrown up twice, so I really do see what a Doc. could really do for her right now, if I did bring her in...he would merely suggest liquids and rest, which I am already doing for her. She has had a bad cold before, this is nothing new, I know it needs to run its course....but I feel so badly for how she is feeling right now, I wish there was another way to bring her some relief, but I am uncomfortable now giving her cold medicine, it worries me so....Hopefully she will wake up from her nap feeling at least a little better. Thank you!

[pertykitty]

i hope she is feeling better poor thing.  its such a big debate, we want out little ones to feel better so fast.  the saline and nose suction thing works great, but they hate it.  also the humidifier might help.  other than that you have to decide.  ah parenting!

[lovethebops]

Ahhh, I know it is so awful...how do you catch a cold in Aug. anyways? She must feel so icky, it is hot and humid here...having a bad cold is no way to spend a summer day! I have been dealing more w/ Madelyn's sickness'/issues this pregnancy than I did in the 18 mon. prior to being pregnant...I often wonder how I will struggle w/ 2 kids being sick or throwing tantrums..But honestly, I look forward to every moment w/ my dd's! There is always something though...

[pertykitty]

you know my niece has a cold right now too.  i stopped by my sis house this morning and her 4 yr old was having a tantrum and the 1 yr old decided he needed to join in haha.  my sis just makes a funny moaning sound with her eyes rolled and asked if i want them for the day haha.  having only one i dont know what is right or wrong, but i have seen that they arent on a schedule, and it makes it hard on my sis.  that is what i say do, start a schedule with feeding and naps and maybe it will be a little easier.  however im a very scheduled mom lol.  i have to do things at a certain time and my son does better with it too.  

[DollChina]

I would take her to the ped.  My son has a bad case of sinus infection now without fever, we took him to the urgent care on Sun and got some antibiotic.  Try a humidifier and take her in with her when you shower.  The steam will help.  Last time my son had a cold, they sent us home with a breathing treatment machine.

[lovethebops]

I am a schedule freak! I have had my dd on a schedule since she was born and got into a regular routine...It really benefits her, she always knows what is coming and what to expect...she comes to me all the time and tells me when she is ready to nap...Imagine that! When most parents have to spell out the word N-A-P in front of their 2 yo's, mine tells me when she needs one, lol!

[cutiemama]

Both my girls, DH and I have nasty colds right now. My older DD was also throwing up because she was coughing so hard and after 5 days of fever, her ped put her on antibiotics. The rest of us are just trying to rest and drink lots. We're also spending a small fortune on Kleenex! I don't give my kids cold medicine either.

[mum2beagain]

I don't give my kids cold meds either, just tylenol or motrin if they run a fever. I do use the vapour rub on the back and chest though and this seems to help, or a drop of eucalyptus oil on a cloth in their room (but well out of their reach), damp towels hung in their rooms, on a radiator if it is on (obviously not in this weather but you get my point) also helps to humidify the room a bit too.

[rubyolivia]

Bops...she doesn't have allergies does she? The pollen counts and stuff are usually crazy around this time of year! My allergies have been driving me BONKERS! I take singulair, but I think my dosage needs upped after Mr. Maxwell makes his debut! You may want to call the ped and get seasonal allergies ruled out and she could also get a med that would be safe too! :) Good luck!!