Cough with runny nose, 18m, tube fed. What can I give him?

[Mouseface]

DS is 18m old. He's fed by NG tube and takes nothing orally (severe sensory feeding disorder).

He is FULL of DH's cold and has now managed to get DH's cough to boot.

Is there anything I can give him to help other than the usual Calpol for a temp, baby Vicks chest rub, children's Olbas etc??

I wondered more about the cough really. It's chesty rather than dry/tickly.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Off out but will check back later. Thank you in advance!

Poor DS

Have you tried the steamy bathroom? My DS had a rattly chest the other week and being so young cannot give him anything, so put the plug in the bath, couple of drops of karvol in the bottom then turned the shower on full heat, really helped both of us loosen the phlegm.

As a long term "tube mum" Id suggest talking to the community nurse and/or going to the doctor. When DS was chesty the Dr would prescribe a short course of ventolin which would help. (But not the syrup as it clogs tubes!)

I would make sure the head of his cot is a bit highter particularly at night when the coughing is usually worse. Humidifyer? Have read on here feet covered in baby Vicks, socks on top really helps with night time breating. Sounds freaky but anything worth a go! Nothing much helps over the counter for coughs tbh but keep an eye on his condition worsening - fever, constant coughing, vomiting. Bacterial infections needing antibiotics often follow viral infections/colds etc. At this age they usually swallow any mucous then vomit the lot - including food, looks dreadful and follows a coughing fit, not serious in itself but I am assuming he has no problems re aspirating?

Hello, thank you for the replies.

His cot is already 'head higher' USoRight due to his reflux, no issues re aspirating him, no.

I will try the Vicks on his feet tonight and we have done the steamy bathroom with Karvol Thanks Alice. Seems to have 'shiffted' some of the gunk!

Sorry to hear your DS has been poorly too.

Starfishmummy - I have a doctors appt tomorrow afternoon so will take him with me, he's at hospital in the morning. I have also left a message for his CCN to call me.

Hope he is better soon