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Care of Infant With Severe Cough & Fever

An infant with a severe cough and fever should be seen by a pediatrician. The younger the infant, the sooner to call the doctor. In a child under 3 months, the American Academy of Pediatrics stresses that any symptoms of illness can be misleading and should be reported to the baby's doctor. In an infant older than 3 months, the doctor should be called if there is fever of greater than 102 or difficulty breathing.

  1. Cough

    • In general, coughing clears stagnant mucous from the airways and should not be suppressed with medicine unless recommended by a health care provider. A cool mist vaporizer may ease your infant's cough. Holding her in the bathroom near the steam from a shower may also soothe her. If your baby has a fever, though, make sure that she is wearing light (or no) clothing so she doesn't further overheat.

    Fever

    • Fever is our friend--it is the body's natural way of helping to fight infection. Think of it as boiling away germs. However, fever may also be a symptom of serious infection. If your baby is under 3 months old and has a fever, take him to the doctor. If a fever makes your baby fussy and uncomfortable, he may take acetaminophen. Your doctor's office can tell you what dose to give. Keeping him cool with light clothing will make him more comfortable. Make sure that he does not get so cool that he shivers since that will increase his body temperature. Also allow him plenty of rest.

    Infants Older Than 6 Months

    • According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, an infant older than 6 months may also use ibuprofen for relief of fever. The product does not list doses for children under 2 years but your doctor's office can give you the right dose for your baby.

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