constant hack

[captain109]

Hello,

My 9-month old daughter has had a constant hack for the past few months.  Coughing almost uncontrollably at night for a few minutes every few hours.  Her pediatrician stated that this is normal and it is too early for allergies to be a consideration.  We were advised that as long as the congestion does not travel to her chest everything will be fine and this is part of having a baby.  Per the doctor’s recommendation we use a cool mist humidifier, baby Vicks at night, saline and booger suction.  This all helps of course, but the hack always comes back.  Baby is happy and at a healthy weight, so that much is good, but how long does this last?  Our baby is in daycare, which doesn’t help matters as my understanding is that viruses are traded like stocks.  Anyone else experiencing this?  Have any advice?

[specialmom]

Hi there.  What my doctor says is that when we cough, we actually have irritation that makes us cough more.  My kids have taken as long as a month to get over a cough fully.  better in every way but the return of cough especially at night or when the exert themselves running (which you aren't there yet).  

do you put something under the babies mattress so the head is a bit elevated over the rest of the body.  We always did that (just put towels under it).  

good luck, hang in there.  

[adgal]

Sorry, I also wanted to mention...my son started daycare at 13 months.  It is true, they catch everything!  I swear, the first year he was there it was like he was constantly sick.  The good news is, as my Pediatrician tells me, its either now or when they start school.  Every kid has to go through this to some degree.  We joke that my son must have superhuman immunities now...lol.  Hang in there!

[adgal]

Aww, I'm sorry.  Such a helpless feeling isn't it.  The problem is that at 9 months there isn't a whole lot you can do beyond what you are doing.  Even the herbal cough syrups aren't recommended under the age of 1 as they contain honey.  And OTC cough syrups are no longer recommended until the age of 6.

My son is now 3 and we have gone through this and a runny nose most of his life.  His pediatrician told us the same thing - too young to test for allergies. Last year at 2 they finally were able to test him, but he still came back negative even though it's clear allergies are the issue. This is because if it is seasonal, or mild things such as housedust & mites, a certain level has to build up in their system to show a positive. This typically happens around the age of 3.  Our son will be tested again this year.

A few extra things you can do that really helped in our case.  One is to watch the humidity level doesn't actually get too high.  We have a little humidistat in his room, and try to keep levels between 50-65.  Too humid can cause increased nasal drip which can make the coughing worse.

I also really keep his room a dust free zone.  Hardwood on the floors and I damp sponge the walls, furniture and floor every other day.  It has made a huge difference.  This is really how the Pediatrician came to the conclusion it was dust - process of elimination.  I live in a dry climate, so it can get quite bad.  

I also agree that it never hurts to get a second opinion.  Good news is chances are really good she will just outgrow this. Or, it will turn out to be a mild cold (tis the season) and it will just clear up.  It's hard though - there is so little she can take right now.  Best of luck, and I hope she feels better soon!

[margypops]

They do say not to give babies any cough meds, but I would still ask another opinion ..good luck

[margypops]

well I disagree somewhat and I would ask for another opinion to get some meds for her, there are indeed many coughs going around, I do think allergies are part of it and if it continues I would ask for some tests ...It may be she has some asthma did they mention it ?