DS2 8m with bronchiolitis - how long?

[Quiltingmoomin]

DS2 was diagnosed with bronchiolitis over the weekend and we spent 24 hrs in hospital. When we were discharged Sunday night they gave me an inhaler for him (Ventolin) and said the cough would continue for up to 2 weeks. How long should the wheezing last though? He's still wheezing although the Ventolin seems to provide some relief but he's had a rotten night of it. I don't want to take him out in the cold if I'm overreacting but should I be back at the doctors? He's feeding but less than normal and obviously getting tired v quickly. WHat do you think? He's showing signs of playing with his brother when awake and smiling a bit ie not totally miserable except when coughing.

[Galena]

Did the hospital give you any advice - when DD was admitted for bronchiolitis we were told on discharge that we could go back in if we were at all concerned over the following 48 hours. She was on oxygen for 3 days though before discharge!

Each time we were in (we had 3 admittances at the start of the year...) we were told day 5 is the worst, and after that we should see an improvement. Sure enough, Day 5 was the turning point each time.

If you aren't happy, then go back to the GP - my GP always said they'd prefer to see a baby too often than too seldom!

[Quiltingmoomin]

He's really up and down - when he's had a kip he's smiling and playing with toys. THen he just nose dives when he's tired. The hospital gave us a 24hr pass but that's finished now. Have decided to continue at home assuming the ventolin still does the trick and go see dr tomorrow if no improvement. I have no idea what day we are on as the coughs and cold started 3 weeks ago and he's been wheezing off and on for 10 days. I went to the dr 3 times before I ended up at the hospital.

[Galena]

What dose of Ventolin are you giving? Another piece of advice I was given was that if the maximum dose you are allowed to give is not enough, then go back. DD has up to 10 puffs every 4 hours if needed and if I give that and she's still not good then that's when I need to call the GP again.

Hope he improves soon! With DD things were further complicated by her being prem and needing breathing support when born, so Health Care Professionals tend to err on the side of caution with her!

[Quiltingmoomin]

That's the same dosage as DS. He's on about 5 puffs at the moment so some way to go. He's just had 4oz milk and is playing so will wait and see. Thanks v v much

[Galena]

Hope he feels better soon - Poor DD is full of cold, but thankfully not wheezing as the Ventolin goes down like a lead balloon!

Hope you have a better night tonight.

[Quiltingmoomin]

Thanks. I hope DD improves too