Resolved question:
My 2 year old niece has common cold symptoms and the doctor says she also has bronchitis. A few hours ago, her eyes started tearing up and her eyelids are somewhat swollen and puffy. Is that normal? Or should I take her to the emergency room?
The doctor prescribed diphenhydramine, loratadine, and prof 100. What is the difference between the two antihistamines? And should she take them simultaneously?
I gave her diphenhydramine an hour ago but her eyes are still watery and her eyelids are still red and puffy. Is that normal or should I take her to the emergency room?
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Pediatrician
Dear friend,
Thank you for your query at DoctorSpring.com
I can understand your situation. You have reported that your niece has common cold symptoms. It is unclear what she actually has. Please elaborate on her symptoms, their evolution and aggravating or relieving factors.
Does she also have rapid breathing? Does she have any noisy breathing or wheeze? Is there any similar history in the past?
Label of bronchitis given by the paediatrician, would mean that she has something more. More than a simple running nose, cough or sneezing.
Regarding her treatment, There are no drugs that actually work for viral illnesses such as common cold, though some may provide symptomatic relief. Even among those drugs, there is no uniformity on what individual doctors prescribe. Personally, I do not use ibuprofen. Prof 100 contains ibuprofen and need not be given, as it can cause gastritis. I would not use loratidine as well.
Regarding watering of eyes and mild congestion of lids (redness), it could be part of the viral infection. But, puffiness of eyes is usually not seen. Puffiness of eyes points to something more sinister such as a kidney involvement and fluid overload. So, watch for a few hours. Note down her urine output. If she is passing less urine or is becoming increasingly puffy, consult a paediatric emergency physician immediately.
Regards
Dr. Saptharishi L G