Increasing temperature - is this the right thing to do?

[strawberrycornetto]

My DS is 16 months old. He's suffered from recurrent chest problems (pneumonia, bronchiolitis, lots of chest infections). His chest has been very bad over the last few days. He has a slightly runny nose and yesterday and today his temperature was slightly up and increasing. Other than that he seems well in himself. My mum put him to bed for me tonight because I was late back from work. I checked him a while ago with the ear thermometer and his temp is now up to 101.5. He's sleeping quite well, not coughing, but his breathing is a bit laboured.

I've opened the window and put on the humidifier, he's only in PJs, no vest or sleeping bag. I was thinking I would check him again in a while and possibly wake him and give him calpol if he's still hot, then take him to the doctor tomorrow as based on his usual pattern I suspect he needs more antibiotics.

Does that sound right? Should I wake him and give him medicine how? He doesn't seem ill in himself so I don't feel too alarmed, when he's really unwell with his chest he wakes up coughing and crying a lot. Why do these things always happen when DH is away?!

[bristols]

If you're going to wake him anyway, I would do it now. That way it's done. Is he breathing normally for him?

If it is, then I agree with you that a visit to the doctor tomorrow would be the best thing. If his breathing worsens or begins to worry you, you should get some medical advice tonight. Waking him to give him the medicine will give you a chance to check on his colour, too.

HTH

[strawberrycornetto]

Thanks Bristols, that sounds sensible. I will go and give him some calpol now.

[strawberrycornetto]

I gave him the medicine. He's baking hot, up to 101.7 now, but he seemed quite cheery when woken up. How strange, I guess it goes to show that temperature on its own is not a reliable indicator. He was definitely coughing though, so I am pretty sure its another chest infection . We are waiting for CF and immune system test results and it does seem that he's never well. Poor little man, he's always so happy even when he's really sick.

[blondissimo]

How is your lo today? Hope you didn't have too bad a night