Q: My child has a cough and dark circles but no fever. Is this normal?

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Question:

My child has a phlegmy cough, a runny nose, and what looks like dark circles under their eyes. We've been giving some medicine, but I don't see much improvement. They don't have a fever. Can allergies or rhinitis cause these dark circles? Also, if there's no fever, can I rule out pneumonia?

Answer:

It sounds like you're very concerned about the dark circles under your child's eyes and their respiratory symptoms.

Yes, chronic nasal congestion from rhinitis or allergies can cause dark circles under the eyes (often called "allergic shiners"). When the nose is blocked, blood circulation around the eyes can be poor, leading to this appearance.

Current Situation Assessment:

• Phlegmy cough + runny nose + dark circles → High possibility of rhinitis/upper respiratory infection.

• The absence of fever is a good sign.

Regarding pneumonia:

→ No fever = Low probability of pneumonia.

→ However, medical attention is needed if you see these symptoms:

- Chest retractions (chest sinking in) when breathing

- Wheezing sound during breathing

- Rapid breathing

- Significant lethargy or lack of energy

What you can do now:

1. Use a humidifier (maintain 40-60% humidity).

2. Clean the nose with a saline solution.

3. Elevate the head with a pillow during sleep.

4. Ensure plenty of fluid intake.

If there's no improvement even with medication, it's best to get an accurate diagnosis from a pediatrician. It's especially important to see a doctor if symptoms persist for more than two weeks.

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