From the Guidelines
For an 8-month-old infant with a cough and cold, the most appropriate treatment approach is to focus on supportive care rather than medications, as over-the-counter cough and cold medications are not recommended due to potential serious side effects and lack of proven effectiveness in young children 1. When managing cough and cold symptoms in an infant, it's essential to prioritize supportive care to alleviate discomfort and promote recovery.
- Use a nasal bulb syringe with saline drops to gently clear mucus from the nose before feedings and sleep.
- Keep the baby well-hydrated with breast milk, formula, or water if already introduced.
- Run a cool-mist humidifier in the baby's room to ease congestion.
- Elevate the head of the crib slightly by placing a towel under the mattress (never put pillows in the crib). Although some studies suggest that honey may offer relief for cough symptoms in children 1, its use is not recommended for infants under 12 months due to the risk of botulism. Instead, consulting a pediatrician for guidance on using acetaminophen (Tylenol) for fever or discomfort is recommended, with a dose of 10-15 mg per kg every 4-6 hours 1. It's crucial to monitor the infant's condition and contact a doctor if they experience difficulty breathing, persistent fever over 100.4°F, refuse to drink, show signs of dehydration, or if symptoms worsen or last more than 7-10 days. Most colds in babies are viral and will resolve on their own within 7-10 days as their immune system fights the infection 1.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Cough and Cold in Infants
- For an 8-month-old infant, the recommended treatment options for cough and cold are largely focused on symptomatic relief, as the common cold is generally a mild, self-limited illness that usually improves with time 2.
- Conservative therapies, including nasal suctioning, humidification, and nasal saline, are recommended over the use of over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold products 3.
- The use of OTC cough and cold medications in children less than 4 years old is not recommended due to the potential risk associated with their use 4, 3, 2, 5.
- Educational campaigns are necessary to decrease the use of OTC cough and cold medications in infants, as their use can lead to serious adverse effects, including overdose and incorrect dosing 5.
Safety Considerations
- The risk of overdose, incorrect dosing, and adverse events is increased in young children due to the greater number of colds they acquire each year 2.
- Postmortem toxicology testing has found evidence of recent administration of pseudoephedrine, antihistamine, dextromethorphan, and/or other cold-medication ingredients in infants who died unexpectedly 5.
- Warnings on OTC cough and cold medications to consult a clinician before use are not being followed by parents, highlighting the need for increased education and awareness 5.