Q: My 7-year-old has a cold and feels nauseous only in the morning. Is this from post-nasal drip?

This post is a dramatization of a question and answer session experienced by our actual medical reviewers. Please note that this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

Question:

My 7-year-old son has had a cold with a runny nose and cough for two days. He's taking medication from the doctor. He coughs a lot at night, and when he wakes up, he complains of nausea but doesn't vomit. He eats well later in the day and feels fine by the afternoon. Could the morning nausea be caused by post-nasal drip, and should we see the doctor again?

Answer:

It must be concerning to see your son deal with cold symptoms for the past two days.

[Summary of the Current Situation]

A 7-year-old boy with a runny nose and cough for 2 days. He has already seen a pediatrician and is on medication. He complains of nausea only in the morning, with no vomiting. He eats lunch and dinner well and feels fine in the afternoon. He also coughs frequently while sleeping, likely due to post-nasal drip.

[Reasons for Reassurance]

✅ Nausea only in the morning that resolves by the afternoon → It's highly likely that mucus dripped down the back of his throat overnight, irritating his stomach.

✅ No vomiting, eating well, and normal activity levels → This is not an emergency.

[What You Can Do at Home Now]

• Before bed, use a saline nasal spray and a nasal aspirator to clear out mucus.

• Elevate his head and upper body slightly with an extra pillow to reduce post-nasal drip while sleeping.

• Upon waking, have him slowly sip some water to help wash away any mucus lingering in his throat.

• Maintain indoor humidity between 40-60% (using a humidifier or a damp towel).

[When to Return to the Doctor]

If you notice any of the following, see your pediatrician the same day:

• Vomiting begins or occurs more than twice a day.

• He refuses to drink or eat, or has not urinated in over 8 hours.

• A new fever develops, or a fever of 101.3°F (38.5°C) or higher persists.

• You notice wheezing, retractions (sucking in below the ribcage), or blue lips.

• The nausea is accompanied by a headache or stiff neck, or if your child becomes lethargic or less responsive.

[Continue Current Medication]

Continue to use the prescribed cold medicine and patch as directed. If his symptoms do not improve within 3-5 days or if they worsen, call your pediatrician's office to discuss whether a follow-up visit is needed.

For now, try the nasal care tips above. Let us know if the morning nausea continues or if any new symptoms appear.

For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.

https://fevercoach.us