Hellobee Boards

I'm in the same boat as you. She's had a runny nose and cough on and off for two months now. She seems fine - she's active and she's eating/drinking well. Could just be allergies, but it could be because she's in daycare (constant colds). I'm debating on taking her in as well, so I'm interested to see what everyone else says.

Usually if a symptom persists for more than a week or 2 (depending on the severity), I'll take them in to the see the ped. They usually tell us the same things...humidifier, tylenol for fever, lots of liquids. But it just makes me feel better taking them in.

ETA: My son had a night time cough for 2 weeks but no other symptoms. I chalked it up to allergies but it still persisted for another week. So I took him in to the ped and she said he had a sinus infection. They prescribed antibiotics and it went away immediately. He didn't show any other symptoms except a runny nose so I was sure it was just allergies. So you just never know!

I take him in if it's been going on for a week, because usually when they last that long, the congestion can turn into an ear infection. So, even if he's not complaining about his ear, yet, I usually take him in and they find the ear infection before it starts hurting him.

@banana: Thank you for saying that - I'll schedule an appt with the pediatrician now since it's been so long.

@mediagirl: does she have a temperature? Whenever I am in doubt I call and ask to speak to the doctor and explain the situation and then ask for advice

If they're really uncomfortable and not sleeping, crying inconsolably, or thrashing around when they sleep for more than two or three days, I'm heading to the pediatrician. I don't screw around with the risk of ear infections! But if it's just a runny nose and cough, I'd probably wait at least a couple of weeks (an average cold should last 10-14 days). My doctor says that babies can't get allergies, so if it persists, something may be up...
GL!