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Original poster

Help! 5 year old. High temp. Shivers. Barking cough

37 replies

cjt110 · 23/12/2019 06:51

Yesterday son wasn't himself. Very lethargic but we thought it may have been down to two late nights.

He went to bed then woke later boiling hot but shivering. Temp was 41.5 according to my digital thermometer but i dont know how trustworthy it is.

Gave him some ibuprofen. Seemed to kick in and help and he slept. He asked me to sleep next to him which he never asks.

He's woken this morning roasting again but temp only approx 38. Shivering still. He has a barking cough like a seal. Says his throat is very sore and was crying each time he coughed.

Currently in his pants under the duvet watching peppa pig.

Is it worth a trip to the docs or just self care at home?

OP posts:
GeriAtric · 23/12/2019 07:05

At 5 and so close to Christmas I'd take him to the doctor. It's probably just a virus but worth being checked out.

Mumdiva99 · 23/12/2019 07:09

Your child and your decision. But there is a nasty virus doing the rounds here with those symptoms. Unfortunately you just have to manage it yourself. Stock up on paracetamol and ibuprofen and honey and lemon etc. But if the child doesn't respond to the medicine then of course go to a professional or if you think it ends up being an infection again go to professionals.

ncqtime · 23/12/2019 07:11

Barking cough? So you know it's whooping cough then?

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5 year olds Children's health General health
Original poster
cjt110 · 23/12/2019 07:13

@ncqtime No. His cough sounds like a seal. Like a bark. Nowhere did i say it was whooping cough.

Husband is out working today til 3. Weve got plenty of ibuprofen and calpol but perhaps get some reserves in.

I always worry that i panic ans take him to the dr when i could manage at home.

OP posts:
HRH2020 · 23/12/2019 07:13

My son still gets a croup cough when he gets a throat infection. I'd keep an eye on it and if the fever doesn't break today call for advice

StylishMummy · 23/12/2019 07:16

Croup is absolutely ripe at the moment, if you YouTube 'croup cough' then you'll be able to compare. Treatment for croup can be a dose of steroids so worth taking him to the doctors

Tofslan · 23/12/2019 07:16

Barking cough like a seal is often croup. Treated with steroids. Can be serious if left as means the airways have narrowed. Would see a Dr in your position, or at least call nhs24 or GP for advice.

Dontforgetyourbrolly · 23/12/2019 07:16

Ncq how nasty you are.

OP don't worry about how you may be taking him to the gp unnecessarily, he's very young and had a night temperature. You would not be unreasonable to take him.

Bless him, I wish him better for Christmas

Mumdiva99 · 23/12/2019 07:16

@ncqtime If kids have had their regular vaccinations in the UK they have had one for whooping cough.

Dontforgetyourbrolly · 23/12/2019 07:17
  • high temperature
Mintjulia · 23/12/2019 07:19

Op, keep his temperature down with Nurofen. Lots of fluids, plenty of sleep. If he’s watching tv and doesn’t have a headache, that’s good.

Any deterioration, does your local hospital have an out of hours GP surgery attached?

Tofslan · 23/12/2019 07:20

If you watch him breathing when he’s lying down for a minute you should be able to see whether his tummy inflates and deflates normally or whether he’s sucking his tummy in as he breathes. If this starts happening (tummy sucking in) then you need help ASAP.

(NB not a medical professional just had several rounds of croup, and that’s what I remember being told to look for over the phone).

Wynston · 23/12/2019 07:22

My son has a barking cough when he has croup. Its not nice to see them poorly.
The first time i took him to the docs and he had steroids for it.
The second time it wasnt as severe and i was able to manage it at home.
You could go and ask the pharmacist for advice-ours are pretty good and have saved a few trips to the doctors.
Hope he feels better soon.

Original poster
cjt110 · 23/12/2019 07:22

Thanks all for your helpful suggestions. I was in no way suggesting he has whooping cough. Just a worried mum aftwr helpful advice.

I think ill try and get him booked in on the drs app for an appointment.

OP posts:
Disillusioneddaisy · 23/12/2019 07:22

It's likely that it's just one of these nasty winter viruses. My dc had very similar symptoms and was better within a few days. But with a temp that high and with it being close to Xmas I would still get him checked out. It could be a chest infection that he needs antibiotics for.

Jajabinksfeetstink · 23/12/2019 07:25

I echo above and my daughter also has a barking cough when she gets croup. It sounds horrible and like your child she was crying when she coughed. I did get her a nurse practitioner appointment and they then got us an appointment with the doctor and we were given steroids which literally worked within a few hours. I hope he gets better soon.

Perid0t · 23/12/2019 07:26

It could be croup with a virus. I’d take him just to check there’s not an infection brewing in his chest.

Ginfordinner · 23/12/2019 07:27

Croup is very scary. I would definitely get him seen.

onetwofive · 23/12/2019 07:28

Always better safe than sorry, I would get him seen.

Original poster
cjt110 · 23/12/2019 07:40

I have an appt for 8.40

OP posts:
Wynston · 23/12/2019 07:49

Thats brilliant.

MsFrosty · 23/12/2019 07:51

The temp wouldn't concern me but the barking cough would make me want to see a doctor

Original poster
cjt110 · 23/12/2019 08:00

He's a child who never ever sits still. Yet has been laid still on the sofa for at least an hour and a half. Wont eat anything. Has had a few sips of water and half an ice pop.

Cant talk because his throat is so sore 🤒

OP posts:
GeriAtric · 23/12/2019 09:33

My son always had ear infections with croup too so it's always worth getting it checked. In my experience they get worse at night so if you don't hadn't taken him to the doctor you'd probably be wishing you had at bedtime.

What did the doctor say?

Damntheman · 23/12/2019 10:17

Seconding the ear infection/croup combo. Hope he's ok OP!