my ds has a coughing cry - should I worry?

[babysprogg]

My 10 week old DS has had a coughing cry since he was about 2 weeks old. At his 8 week check, the GP noticed the cough and sent me to the paediatrician because she said the cough was not normal. DS is fully breastfed. His weight dropped from 75th percentile at birth to just over 9th percentile at his 8 week check. When he gets agitated, he lets out a series of coughs and cries.

The GP was concerned that his coughing cry might have showed signs of breathing restrictions. The paediatrician said that his coughing cry was normal and would not examine him further because DS was not gaining enough weight. He suggested that I add formula to bf. Since then, I saw another midwife about a different health problem and she also noticed his coughing cry. I told her about the paediatrician's opinion that DS's cry was normal and she suggested that I get a second opinion.

Has anyone encountered a coughing cry before? Should I be worried?

[sotiredandfedup]

I haven't experienced this and I'm no expert but I didn't want your message to go unanswered.

My first thought was silent reflux as coughing can sometimes be a symptom of this. Or asthma. But I might be wrong. Why don't you google these and see if any other symptoms fit (but don't get freaked out - stick to NHS or BUPA patient information pages as the internet can scare you even more if you read too much)

I hope you find some answers and remember, if you are not satisfied with the advice you are getting from the health proffessionals that you've seen then insist on a second, third, fourth opinion if necessary. Unfortunately sometimes you have to be pushy in order to get anywhere and not just be fobbed off as a paronoid mother. You know your baby best so if you are worried then keep going until you get some answers. hth

[bumble34]

i know reflux can make babies cough and cry It does sound odd and 2 seperate health professionals have commented on it and think it should be followed up Can you go back to gp for another referal to the hospital and possibly a different paediatrician?

[tholeon]

i am not sure, but I think that if you are concerned it would be totally reasonable for you to ask to be referred to a paediatric respiritary specialist, who would have the most relevant expertise.