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Children's health

Toddler chest infection - please reassure me, I'm turning neurotic...

11 replies

Thurlow · 30/11/2013 19:55

Nearly 2yo has a chest infection, saw OoH this morning and they prescribed antibiotics. GP did worry me though by talking about how I would need to take her back if her breathing got worse, and made a comment about not bringing her in sooner - cough only started Thursday night, if I'd taken her in sooner that would surely have looked ridiculous

Now she's made me bloody neurotic (honestly, I'm normally a laidback mum but DD was in NICU for a few days when she was born and I think that's made me neurotic when she's ill). She eating well, drinking well, playing happily, only been upset when she's woken from a nap coughing and thirsty, doesn't really have a temperature at all. However she's wheezy/crackly - though I suppose half of that is just mucus - and breathing fast for her, just about 40 breaths a minute.

That's fine, isn't it? I've put her in the travel cot in my room tonight just in case. But if she's been happy all day and has no other symptoms but this fast breathing, this is probably all ok?

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Shamoy · 30/11/2013 19:58

Sounds fine to me. My 2 year old is very prone to chest infections and I wouldn't worry in your situation. You did the right thing in going to out of hours and your dd will show good improvement in about 24 hours once the antibiotics have kicked in :-)

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Shamoy · 30/11/2013 19:59

Obviously if she does get worse or you do get worried at any point then do take her back to get checked again. Trust your instincts :-)

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Thurlow · 30/11/2013 20:01

I must stop reading Doctor Google There's so much out there that says 40+ breaths a minute is 'rapid breathing' - but, but, but... everything else is fine. Does your 2yo get faster, shallower breathing with an infection?

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Shamoy · 30/11/2013 20:20

Faster breathing can be because they are hot too.
Look at her chest when she is breathing. If it's being sucked in as she breathes in then she is struggling and needs medical help soon. Otherwise I would say she is poorly but fine

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Thurlow · 30/11/2013 20:41

I don't think her chest is being sucked in - she's breathing more with her stomach but her nostrils aren't flaring or anything. Now she's finally asleep its still a bit fast and shallow but very regular and 'softer', if that makes sense, as it normally is when asleep.

Thanks shamoy, nice to hear a bit of reassurance - Google (obviously) always defaults to the worst case scenario...

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goandshowdaddy · 30/11/2013 22:42

My ds has had a chest infection a couple of times and had the same rapid breathing as you describe. It is a bit worrying but a normal symptom I think. Ab's will start to work fairly quickly. My ds was also prescribed an inhaler for temporary use which really helped.

Hope your dd gets better soon.

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Thesebootsweremadeforwalking · 30/11/2013 22:49

DC1 had recurrent chest infections - I am absolutely not a medic but the two things I do remember is that rapid breathing can be due to a high temperature, and that things aren't great when you can see the chest sink in between the ribs as the LO breathes (IIRC it's called intercostal recession) as it's a sign they are working really hard to breathe. If I saw either of those I might consider getting some medical attention TBH.

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CelticPromise · 30/11/2013 22:58

She sounds ok, watch out for recession as others have said. I was told to take my DS (premature, home oxygen, chronic lung disease) to hospital if his breathing went above 60 breaths a minute.

Trust your instincts. If you think she's worse, take her back. Hope she's better soon.

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crazyhamsterbackonthego · 30/11/2013 23:03

40 BPM really isn't too bad at all as my Ds has asthma & its always double that at least when he gets a chest infection .

Is the Wheeze on her chest ?

Place your hand on her chest/back and see if you can feel the wheeze iyswim if not then no need to worry & if you can just keep an eye on her

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DavidHarewoodsFloozy · 30/11/2013 23:17

Go with your instincts, if you concern she,s going downhill get her to medic.
Have you tried snuffle babe/ olbas baby oil on outer garments.
Breathing problems are so worrying.
Hope she feels better soon.

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Thurlow · 01/12/2013 07:35

Thank you everyone - I think I just needed someone to say that 40bpm wasn't really high, that GP wasn't going in to any details, and pretty normal with other kids. The rib and listening at the back tips are useful, thank you, I feel like I've got a better idea what to check for.

The anti-b's seem to be kicking in and she had a reasonable night so seems on the mend.