Congestion with Ear Infections

step2mom2010

Any suggestions on how to get the congestion to go away? Kolby is getting tubes on Friday if I can get him healthy! He has been an antibiotics for four days and the congestion is not going anywhere.  I have patted his back with the cupped hand to get it broken up, but it doesn't seem to help.  Done steam showers with him.  Humidifiers. 

Anything else?  He has had 7 ear infections since Christmas and it is time for tubes.  But he has to be well. 

TIA!

SigmundsGirl

We are in the exact same boat. Evan is going to the ENT Wednesday since this is his 7th ear infection since January. Evan also has croup, so our PEdi recommended cold air. Here is what is on their web site:

Cough: Croup/Barky Cough

Symptoms

• Tight, low-pitched barky cough (sounds like a seal).
• Hoarse voice/cry.
• Child may have stridor (a crowing-like noise heard when child breathes in) as croup becomes worse.
• Symptoms tend to increase in the evening and last for 5-6 days, with a loose cough in the last 7-14 days after the barking cough has resolved.
• Associated symptoms include fever or nasal congestion.

Treatment

Croup ("bark") without stridor:

• Cold air (stand in front of a refrigerator or take a walk on a cool night).
• Cool mist vaporizer at night.
• Increase daily fluid intake. Use warm fluids if having cough spasms to relax airways.
• Ibuprofen if older than 6 months Cold medications or antibiotics do not cure the illness.
• Keep your child calm - try to keep them from crying, since crying often increases the barking cough of croup.

Croup ("bark") with stridor:

• Take child outside for 5-10 minutes into cold night air or have the child breathe in air from an open freezer. You may need to repeat this several times during the night.
• If these measures are unsuccessful, call the office immediately.