For a 2-month-old baby, please do not apply thailam or Baby Vicks VapoRub on or near their nose. Strong balms can irritate their delicate airways and make breathing more difficult. Fortunately, using saline nasal drops (like Nasoclear) is very safe and highly effective at loosening mucus. You can also use a cool-mist humidifier in their room to help them breathe easier. Please avoid any chest rubs or balms at this age, and consult your pediatrician if your baby has a fever, rapid breathing, or difficulty feeding.

Since you have completed your five-day course of ivermectin and azithromycin, you should stop taking them. For your remaining mild cough, plain steam inhalation is highly effective and gentler on your airways than adding Vicks or Karvol. You can take paracetamol as needed for discomfort, ensuring you do not exceed 3,000 mg in 24 hours. Most importantly, please consult your doctor promptly regarding your elevated blood sugar and inflammation levels, as these require close medical supervision and tailored management. Rest well, stay hydrated.

It is very common to experience this sensation, and it could be a combination of both factors. Recovering from COVID-19 two weeks ago can leave behind lingering inflammation in your deeper sinus passages, creating a persistent feeling of mucus. Additionally, frequent use of a Vicks inhaler can irritate your nasal passages or cause a rebound effect, altering how you perceive airflow. To help your nasal lining heal, try pausing the inhaler and using a gentle saline nasal spray to keep the area hydrated. This sensation is typically temporary and should improve soon. Please consult a doctor if it persists.

Typically, inhaling steam with ingredients like salt, turmeric, or Vicks for five days will not cause a lasting loss of these senses. However, the strong menthol and camphor in Vicks can temporarily overwhelm your nasal passages, masking smells. More importantly, the underlying cold, sinus infection, or viral illness you are treating is the most common culprit behind a temporary loss of taste and smell. This usually improves as your body recovers. Please rest, stay hydrated, and consult a doctor if your symptoms persist or worsen.

There is no direct link between daily steam inhalation with Vicks and contracting black fungus (mucormycosis). Black fungus primarily affects individuals with severely weakened immune systems, such as those with uncontrolled diabetes or on high-dose steroids. While you are not at risk, inhaling steam with Vicks daily is generally not recommended as the camphor and menthol can irritate your airway lining over time. I suggest switching to plain, clean water steam and using it only when you are actually congested. Please ensure your inhaler is cleaned regularly to prevent any bacterial buildup.

For persistent shortness of breath and a fast heart rate, standard initial tests include an electrocardiogram (ECG), basic blood work (to check for anemia or thyroid issues), and spirometry to evaluate your lung function. Since your symptoms were previously dismissed, please consider seeking a second opinion, perhaps from a cardiologist or pulmonologist. To prepare, keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting exactly when they occur and how they feel. Your physical health is important, and finding a supportive doctor who will listen to you is a vital next step.