Cough, 8-month-old DS2, what next?

[angel1976]

Stopped eating solids about two days ago, taking only 2-3 ozs of milk per feed but gulping down water. Had diarrhea about two days ago, yesterday, only not-very-wet nappy and one poo. Today, a couple of poos.

Started barking cough last night ALL night. Took him to GP this morning who says he has a virus and he sounds a bit wheezy. Got cough medicine and paracetamol. Given both. Slept loads today and went to bed early but now up with coughing and croaky-sounding and whinging a bit. In his cot as picking him up not making it any better. The cough is still barking.

I suspect croup but what can I do if GP won't diagnose it. DH about to be home soon, should I take DS2 to A&E? DS1 at home so I can't go now. He was rather tired and lethargic today and very teary (usually a smiley little thing!). Should I worry? I am so tired from being up all night last night and looks like another all-nighter for me...

[beammeupscotty]

Did DS do a cough or two at the GP today. Its very distinctive and very loud. Like a seal barking, not just croaky. Your GP would not have missed it. (I used to work in a&E and you could hear them coming up the corridor long before you could see them!!) They also usually have fever. Having inflammation of the upper airways/throat gives the little ones a croaky cough and also v. sore You can try ibuprofen syrup as well as the calpol if you think he is in pain. Raise head of cot. Matchsticks to prop open eyelids. coughs are shite and drag on and on.

[angel1976]

Thank you scotty. I called NHS Direct almost in tears and made the nurse listen to DS2 cough. And of course DS2 was all smiley (despite the persistent cough) once I got him up from the cot. She said he definitely sounded wheezy and breathing faster than normal (he would breathe faster and then go back to normal breathing). She doesn't think it's a croup cough, just very croaky and hoarse. So I feel more re-assured now and thank you for your message too, I feel doubly re-assured. I rubbed some Karvol on his chest and put some Karvol in hot water in a bowl right next to his cot and he has finally gone off to sleep... DS2 has been very prompt to coughs but this time it worried me cos it reminded me of how DS1 landed in A&E the very first time, it was a virus that ended up as a chest infection and he was very samey - cough, very lethargic, off food and teary...

[beammeupscotty]

Poor old you and DS. If his wheezing and breathlessness get any worse see emergency doc or a&e. Look out for tummy sucking in chest going out, wheezing getting worse, getting all quiet and listless, high temp not coming down. Bet DS1 had that