What to do when your baby have cold, runny nose and allergies?

As a mom when my children are sick I am so worried that I always wanted to hug them to make them feel protected with my loving care. It is the third day of my eight-month old baby who feels very uncomfortable with her cold and runny nose. I experience sleepless nights watching her as she sleeps and there are several times that I carried her so that she can sleep better in an upright position.

I tried to use Salinase Nasal drops but it did not work for her making her irritable when I do the drops and use aspirator. So what I did is to consult a pediatrician. Since we have a maxicare health card we go the nearest health clinic which is at My Health Clinic SM North Edsa.

The pediatrician there is so nice and very helpful to talk about my baby’s cold and runny nose. So, What to do when your baby have cold, runny nose and allergies? The list below are some of the effective remedy and treatment when your baby have cold, runny nose , and allergies. 

• Help your baby drink plenty of fluids. It will keep your baby well hydrated making it easier to cough and blow the nose because it thins the body’s secretions.
• Use saline nasal spray to loosen thick nasal mucus secretions to facilitate removal from the nose.  Remove with a wet cotton swab and baby tissue once only to avoid recontamination each time they are re-used. Throw the used cotton swab and tissue into a dustbin and don’t leave it lying around to risk spreading germs. The pediatrician prescribed two options for the baby nasal spray: Sterimar baby and Muconase.

Sterimar baby is especially designed for infants and babies’ nose.In the case of a particularly congested nose, STÉRIMAR baby- child-Blocked Nose spray is recommended. It  is  a hypertonic copper enriched solution which helps to remove excess mucus and helps to prevent the development of bacteria. Sterimar baby cost about Php600 ($13 approximately) as of 8/18/13.

Muconase  is a nasal spray composed of saline solution that duplicates  the physiological components of normal nasal secretions. It helps relieve nasal irritation, congestion and pressure that accompany common cold, allergy, sinusitis, and other disorders affecting the nasal passages. Sodium Chloride Muconase has no side effects, drug-free and can be used concomitantly with any cold, allergy and sinus medications. Sodium Chloride Muconase cost about Php 63 ($1.5 approximately) as of 8/18/13.

Nasal spray for cold, runny nose and allergies

 The photo above is the Sodium Chloride Muconase.  I preferred to bought it because it has lower price and it is also safe to use. If Saline nasal spray is not available you can make your own just add ½ teaspoon (2 mL) of table salt to 1 cup (8 oz or 240 mL) of warm tap water .

I have tested using Muconase nasal spray with my baby and I am so glad that it did helps.

• Always keep the baby’s face and hands clean. Normally I would use a clean baby towel with warm water to clean her up then wash the towel and hang it to dry.
• Keep the baby in a place with moist air. Moist air keeps nasal mucus from drying up and lubricates the airway. You may use a humidifier if the air in your home is dry.
• For nasal allergies,  Antihistamines  (eg Alnix) are useful for the relief of symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis such as sneezing, runny, itchy nose, and watery eyes.

 

It is always best to consult your doctor when your baby is sick.

credit source: pediatrician at My Health clininc SM North Edsa, http://www.sterimar.com, http://www.healthychildren.org.