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General health

poorly baby - when do I start worrying?

14 replies

lucy123 · 10/06/2003 12:26

This is my first experience of having a poorly baby.

Dd is 13 months and very listless / easily upset today. Her temperature is 38 (but it's flaming hot here - too hot for me). She's had about half a dose of paracetemol (wouldn't open her mouth, didn't want to risk giving her too much)

I seem to recall that "fever" in babies is 39 but I can't remember. Should I take her to the doctor's anyway?

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M2T · 10/06/2003 12:32

As long as the temoerature doesn't go higher than 39 and as long as Calpol seems to bring it down then I don't think there is any need for you to worry. When did she have the Calpol? Why don't you try to give her another half dose?

Natural body temperature is around 36.8.

Maybe give the Docs a wee phone just to be sure. I positive he'll just tell you to keep her cool and give her Calpol. My ds seemed to always have something or another after he started Nursery at 4 mths old.

Hope things get better soon.

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musica · 10/06/2003 13:03

See how it goes - if she gets a rash then get straight along to the doctors, and make sure she has plenty of fluids. If your doctors surgery is open, it might be worth going along there, rather then making a dash for AandE tonight, or phoning NHS Direct.

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lucy123 · 10/06/2003 13:06

Thanks m2t.

She's asleep now but I think I should put a fan in her room. I didn't give her any more paracetemol because I wasn't sure how much had actually gone in (plus I've lost the instructions so wasn't 100% sure of the dose. I've since looked it up on the internet).

It's a bit scarey really as I have absolutely no idea where I'd take her or who to call. Childminder has told me where the emergency clinic is, but it's a drive away and dp has the car. (I live in Spain, so it's funny paracetemol stuff, not calpol, and a completely different healthcare system. I miss having a 9-5 doc's surgery within walking distance! Our local one is 1.30 till 2.30 on Wednesdays.Mind you, it is a small village.)

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M2T · 10/06/2003 13:12

That does sound like a nightmare for you!

Like Musica says - make sure she gets plenty of fluids. I think dehydration is actually worse than running a high fever. And of course.... a rash appearing is an A&E situation. Does she show any other symptoms that give you clue as to what might be wrong with her? Runny nose? Vomiting or diarrhea (sp?).

As long as she can keep water down then I'd wait until tomorrow to fone the docs.

Rotten isn't it. Especially when they can't tell you what's wrong.

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WideWebWitch · 10/06/2003 13:17

Lucy123, would the NHS Direct website be any help? If you were in the UK I'd say go to your surgery anyway, just to be on the safe side since I seem to think the listlessness isn't a good sign - not that it means anything serious, just I think I'd go as a precaution. But as you say, you're in Spain and it's hot so it may not mean anything! What are your instincts? That she's a bit under the weather or that she's definitely not herself? If it's the latter and you're worried then I think I'd take her in anyway. Otherwise, I'd give it an hour or 2 to see if the Calpol or whatever it's called brings her temp down or not and see how she is then. Especially if there are no other symptoms.

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lucy123 · 10/06/2003 13:34

Thanks again everyone.

She does have a bit of a blocked nose, so it could be the start of flu. I checked the NHS website - it said probably flu, give paracetemol,etc (handy for future reference that site! )

So I'll keep checking her anyway. She's definately not herself - she is eating, but not much and doesn't seem to want to eat (now that is unusual) but I have to wait for dp to get back anyway really. I can always call a taxi if she gets suddenly worse.

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badjelly · 10/06/2003 16:47

There's a bit of a bug starting off where I am (wales) but maybe it's already made it's way to spain! both my and my neighbours dd's were a bit off with it over the weekend - high temp, really lethargic and content to just sit around staring into space until she fell asleep. We gave our dd Paracetamol and that seemed to work really well but our neighbour had to alternate it with kids Neurofen and took her to the docs just in case - she was told it was a virus and to keep an eye on her temp but if it went up anymore to call the gp out to see her again. They're both o.k now apart from very very snuffly.

Not really much help in the remedy aspect but just wanted to let you know you aren't alone!

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jolou1 · 10/06/2003 17:06

I found baby Nurofen to be the most effective medicine going...just spent three days nursing a 7month old with a temperature who didn't seem to respond to Calpol at all, but after one dose of Nurofen there was an immediate improvement. Can you get hold of an Ibuprofen baby syrup which probably has the same effect?

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GRMUM · 10/06/2003 17:12

lucy123 hope your dd is improving now.Otherwise here in Greece we are told to see the doctor if temp is over 38.5. coping with sick children in this hot weather can be difficult.These things are all pretty obvious I expect but anyway... Keep her very lightly dressed even just her nappy if its extremely hot.Tepid baths can help a lot .A fan is a good idea I always tilt it so its blowing just over the child rather than directly onto them.Keep the room darkened rather than full of blazing sunlight.Lots of water even a teaspoon at a time if she not keen to drink a lot.
Again apologies if these are all things you have already thought of . Perastika as they say in Greece....get well soon

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bunny2 · 10/06/2003 19:15

Hi Lucy, hope everything is ok. Let us know.

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lucy123 · 10/06/2003 19:35

thanks for the concern.

She has perked up a bit now (paracetemol) but is still not herself.

I am feeling much more confident at being able to cope too! Will get some baby Nuerofen next visit to UK.

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steppemum · 11/06/2003 14:57

dear Lucy, I'm also overseas and have just had my first poorly baby, it is so worrying not having a doctor on hand isn't it? I recently posted a similar thread and mears came on when I said ds wasn't feeding, and said to go to a doctor, which we did. I think dehydration is the big worry, especially when it is hot, I was told never to direct a fan on the baby as that leads to more dehydration. Also my book (OK so every book is different!) said that a temperature over 38 for more than 48 hours needs to be seen by a doctor.
I have now got a phone number of an American doctor in another city who we can ring for advice, I find that really reasuring, is that possible for you?

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WideWebWitch · 11/06/2003 20:26

Lucy123, how's your dd?

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lucy123 · 11/06/2003 20:44

hi www.

She is definately better this afternoon, though ahe was still a bit clingy / easily upset. Temp varying wildly, but seemed to be down to 37.5 by bedtime.

how's your bump?

Steppemum - yes, it's scary. I had meant to pop to the pediatrician this afternoon (he's there from 12 til 2 on Wednesdays) but I forgot. But I presume I could see the other doctor in an emergency. I don't know though - they seem to have a stronger line between pediatricians and adult doctors here.

But anyway, hopefully won't have this issu again for a while!