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AIBU?

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Original poster

Worrying about chest infection

24 replies

ohIdoliketobebesidethesea · 15/09/2021 05:58

dS (2) got told he had a chest infection yesterday. Had a temp since last Friday and a cough but we have all had a bad cough and cold this week due to my other DC going back to school (all had negative COVID tests) so didn't think much of it until his temp spiked yesterday.
Dr has put him on antibiotics and told us to give neurofen, calpol and his inhaler (has suspected asthma) regularly. He has had 24 hours on the antibiotics now and still seems just as bad this morning. Really awful cough, very high temp ect. How long does it normally take for the antibiotics to kick in? I'm sure I'm probably just over worrying!

OP posts:
dancingdolphinsagain · 15/09/2021 06:20

I was told by the hospital to go back if there was no improvement 48 hours after starting antibiotics when my daughter had a chest infection. Hope he picks up soon.

RoseAndGeranium · 15/09/2021 06:21

I’d call the doctor again, just to be on the safe side. I’ve had lots of chest infections and they usually respond very quickly to antibiotics. Certainly I’d expect improvement within 24 hours. It may take a bit longer with toddlers, though, as their immune systems aren’t so well developed and dosage is probably quite conservative. But if that’s the case your GP should be able to advise when to expect improvement. More reassuringly it’s very unlikely your little boy has anything antibiotic resistant so assuming he’s on something broad spectrum (I guess amoxicillin?) the likeliest thing is that in another 12 hours or so he’ll be much better.

lljkk · 15/09/2021 06:22

36-48 hours. Sounds like you haven't hit 24 yet.
When kids do turn around it's very fast.
Don't neglect to complete the course.

lljkk · 15/09/2021 06:23

sorry, my bad, didn't read that properly. You say 24 hours. but how 24 hrs already at 6am? Were you at A&E in middle of night? Are you outside UK?

Original poster
ohIdoliketobebesidethesea · 15/09/2021 06:27

@lljkk

sorry, my bad, didn't read that properly. You say 24 hours. but how 24 hrs already at 6am? Were you at A&E in middle of night? Are you outside UK?
Sorry I meant as in he started taking them at 9 am yesterday, he had his full 3 doses yesterday and then his morning dose today. So he has had a full days worth of antibiotics in him
OP posts:
Original poster
ohIdoliketobebesidethesea · 15/09/2021 07:32

He's also started pulling in at the ribs when breathing?

OP posts:
RoseAndGeranium · 15/09/2021 07:35

If he’s getting worse or you think he’s struggling to breathe call 111.

RoseAndGeranium · 15/09/2021 07:37

There’s always a chance it’s viral rather than bacterial in which case the antibiotics won’t help. Especially taking his asthma into consideration you should err on the side of caution, I think. Really sorry you and he are going through this.

dancingdolphinsagain · 15/09/2021 07:38

If he's pulling in at the ribs he needs to be seen in hospital.

Autumngoldleaf · 15/09/2021 07:38

When you say negative tests... Lat flow? Or pcr.
My dd had covid, a few negative lat flow then positive after a few days.

Re his infection do you have an oxometer to measure his levels? It's so useful and not expensive for the peace of mind it gives.

EmeraldShamrock · 15/09/2021 07:40

Do you have an oxygen meter? Or borrow one.
My DS started his antibiotics Friday tonsillitis and chest infection it took 2 days to kick in.
If he is struggling to breath go to a&e.

Original poster
ohIdoliketobebesidethesea · 15/09/2021 07:41

@EmeraldShamrock

Do you have an oxygen meter? Or borrow one. My DS started his antibiotics Friday tonsillitis and chest infection it took 2 days to kick in. If he is struggling to breath go to a&e.
I only have a normal sized one, not sure if it would work on a child?
OP posts:
Sexnotgender · 15/09/2021 07:43

@ohIdoliketobebesidethesea

He's also started pulling in at the ribs when breathing?
I’d get him seen to again if he’s doing this. Better safe than sorry.
EmeraldShamrock · 15/09/2021 07:43

Yes I often use it on DS finger to measure he is constantly sick with CI.

Sexnotgender · 15/09/2021 07:45

I’d try the oximeter.

DD used to end up in hospital all the bloody time with pneumonia (over 10 admissions!) sometimes oral antibiotics weren’t sufficient.

Definitely get him checked.

Sirzy · 15/09/2021 07:47

@ohIdoliketobebesidethesea

He's also started pulling in at the ribs when breathing?
Go to A and E.

Even if just to get some peace of mind if he has only just started tugging then he is deteriorating so best to get checked

BlueberrySugar · 15/09/2021 07:52

If he's pulling in at the ribs OP that's 999.
It could be he's struggling for oxygen.

AB's usually take around 48 but if he's sucking in at the ribs. Act now!

Sexnotgender · 15/09/2021 07:53

@BlueberrySugar

If he's pulling in at the ribs OP that's 999. It could be he's struggling for oxygen.

AB's usually take around 48 but if he's sucking in at the ribs. Act now!

Really? I never called 999 for DD! Oops😬
BlueberrySugar · 15/09/2021 07:54

Yes! It's on the NHS. You should phone 999 when this occurs.

Sexnotgender · 15/09/2021 07:56

Now I feel awful 😞 I just popped her in the car and took her up to A&E.

Sirzy · 15/09/2021 07:58

@Sexnotgender

Now I feel awful 😞 I just popped her in the car and took her up to A&E.
Don’t feel awful you for her checked that’s the important bit. Ds is a severe asthmatic and I have only ever called an ambulance once because it was easier and quicker given our location to get straight to A and E.
BlueberrySugar · 15/09/2021 08:00

You took her to A&E so you did the right thing. Don't feel bad.

BlueberrySugar · 15/09/2021 20:28

I hope your DS is okay OP and on the mend x

lljkk · 15/09/2021 21:45

update, @ohIdoliketobebesidethesea ?

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