Why is my daughter having persistent fever, wet cough, and runny nose even after taking medication?

Question

Hello doctor,

My 6-year-old daughter suffers from a severe wet cough, mild fever, and a slightly runny nose. We have given her Dabur Honitus and a combination of Levocitrizine, Ambroxol, Guaifenesin, and Paracetamol twice daily for five days. But still, she has severe congestion, nose blockage, runny nose, and mild fever. We did not give her any antibiotics for the last five days because of the high temperature at night. She is sleeping with AC on at 25 degrees Celcius. Previously, she had the flu and throat infection (a few months back) but recovered soon after medication and antibiotics. Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

1. High-grade fever with congestion and without breathing difficulty suggests URTI (upper respiratory tract infection).

2. Since she has already taken decongestion medicine, I would suggest a short course of antibiotics for high-grade fever.

Before starting antibiotics, you can try these options:

A. As there is a possibility of tonsil congestion, do a warm saline gargle 3 to 4 times a day. You can do Betadine gargle as well.

B. Avoid cold water or drink.

C. Avoid sudden changes in temperature (like air conditioners). It will delay recovery.

D. Hydrate frequently (cough is often due to enlarging tonsils).

E. Adequate rest with a liquid diet.

F. Add a high protein diet (1 to 2 eggs or soaked dry fruits).

If you do all these remedies and still she is not improving, you can start antibiotics. I appreciate your efforts not to start antibiotics earlier. It would help if you showed the doctor for a proper physical assessment before beginning antibiotics.

We also need to work on her nutritional status and immunity. I would say she is having a repeated episode of URTI.

Regards.