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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Same illness getting worse or a new bug?

27 replies

toomuchmashaandthebear · 14/01/2022 16:07

DS (3) has had a cough for 2 weeks, has seemed fine in himself just constant coughing day and night. Had numerous covid tests which have all been negative including PCRs. About 2 days ago his cough started getting worse at night and he was struggling to sleep so we took him to the drs yesterday who said it was probably viral, his airways sounded clear so just keep going with fluids etc and it should pass. However since then he has started really burning up, doesn't want to eat or drink, just wants to lie down etc. he's also breathing really fast. Should I just assume he has caught another cold/bug and we are starting from the beginning again or could it be the same bug but getting worse? Not sure there's much we can even do either way but I just feel so sorry for him as he's been poorly with it for ages now

OP posts:
bloodywhitecat · 14/01/2022 16:10

He needs to be seen again today. Rapid breathing is a sign of respiratory distress.

PicaK · 14/01/2022 16:11

I had similar - took me 5 weeks to shake. Relapsed 3 times.
Lots of people have had the same thing.
All negative on pcr tests
That's not to say don't contact Dr if he gets badly - but just to give context

BlueSky8 · 14/01/2022 16:13

My DS was like this, sucking in his ribs etc.
Took him straight to hosp, giving an inhaler.
It worked great.
Took 6 weeks to fully shake off though.

He needs seen to with rapid breathing

babypeach · 14/01/2022 16:16

I would second getting him seen soon-he has deteriorated in terms of his vital signs since last check. It could be the same thing or a secondary infection or something new but the increased temp and rapid breathing should be checked.

WhyYesYABU · 14/01/2022 16:18

Currently in hospital with my newborn who has bronchiolitis. I had to call an ambulance when her lips went purplr. Get your DC seen!

Original poster
toomuchmashaandthebear · 14/01/2022 16:25

Thanks for the advice just called our Gp so we are waiting for a call back

OP posts:
Original poster
toomuchmashaandthebear · 14/01/2022 16:35

Don't know if this means anything or not but I've just counted his breaths in a minute and it is 49 breaths per min whilst just sitting down not doing anything

OP posts:
BlueSky8 · 14/01/2022 16:38

I'm not 100% on breaths per minute.

Is he sucking in ribs? Under neck?

Original poster
toomuchmashaandthebear · 14/01/2022 16:40

Not sucking in his ribs but is a little on his neck

OP posts:
curlyLJ · 14/01/2022 16:43

If he's breathing rapidly like that then you need A&E rather than a GP.
My daughter's breathing was that fast and she had to go straight onto oxygen as levels had dropped below 90% and she was admitted as it wouldn't stabilise.

ShatParp · 14/01/2022 16:43

With that resp rate they will definitely want to check him out, do mention that to your GP and they will want to have a listen to his chest as he may need antibiotics.

ShatParp · 14/01/2022 16:45

(If your GP doesn't see him, although I'd be amazed if they won't, call 111)

BlueSky8 · 14/01/2022 20:08

Any update op?

Original poster
toomuchmashaandthebear · 14/01/2022 20:17

@BlueSky8

Any update op?
Yes we spoke to the Gp who asked if he could video call, he looked at him and said that although he looked poorly he was happy that he wasn't sucking in at the ribs or anything with his breathing so we just have to keep up with the calpol etc. he also hasn't had a drink all afternoon so we just have to watch out for signs of dehydration. Dr was lovely so I'm feeling quite reassured!
OP posts:
stayathomegardener · 14/01/2022 20:20

Lovely doesn't equal reassuring.
Just keep a really close eye.

RebeccasoldercousinSusie · 14/01/2022 20:28

I wouldn’t be happy with a GP assessing my child via video call for respiratory issues OP

MercedesBenz · 14/01/2022 20:33

Rapid breathing can be a sign of pneumonia
Take him to a and e

BlueSky8 · 14/01/2022 20:34

Wouldn't be happy with a video call either tbh op

MercedesBenz · 14/01/2022 20:38

Breaths per min should be 22 to 34 for that age of child according to a quick Google

Original poster
toomuchmashaandthebear · 14/01/2022 20:44

Thanks for the comments. I've had issues in the past with the DC having high temps and the hospital have always said that their breathing will increase with a high temperature. He's not sucking in at all so I'm going to just keep a very close eye on him tonight. My main concern at the moment is he hasn't had a drink for so long and his temp isn't coming down so I will be checking on him all through the night and if I feel he needs seeing I will take him straight to a&e

OP posts:
ofwarren · 14/01/2022 20:48

When did he last drink and what's his temperature?
I'd be taking mine to A&E if it was me.

CustardGoodJamGoodMeatGood · 14/01/2022 20:50

DD had a bad viral infection like this (a while ago now, around a year or so). It started with a cough and a bit of a snotty nose for about 2/3 weeks and then she started sounding really chesty, her chest was very rattley and she hardly slept. She struggled to even walk across our living room without getting out of breath. I think her bad chest lasted a few days and then she was on the mend. Obviously it doesn't mean it's the same but it can happen and it just be viral. If anything does change, then obviously get him seen asap

Original poster
toomuchmashaandthebear · 14/01/2022 20:52

@CustardGoodJamGoodMeatGood

DD had a bad viral infection like this (a while ago now, around a year or so). It started with a cough and a bit of a snotty nose for about 2/3 weeks and then she started sounding really chesty, her chest was very rattley and she hardly slept. She struggled to even walk across our living room without getting out of breath. I think her bad chest lasted a few days and then she was on the mend. Obviously it doesn't mean it's the same but it can happen and it just be viral. If anything does change, then obviously get him seen asap
Thank you for sharing, this sounds quite similar to what we are having!
OP posts:
Ukholidaysaregreat · 14/01/2022 21:10

If your child won't drink and they are very young you can give water using a medicine syringe just keep shooting it into their mouth every 10mins just to keep fluids going into them. Hope the breathing is OK. I would go to A and E if anything changes or worsens.

Original poster
toomuchmashaandthebear · 14/01/2022 21:14

@Ukholidaysaregreat

If your child won't drink and they are very young you can give water using a medicine syringe just keep shooting it into their mouth every 10mins just to keep fluids going into them. Hope the breathing is OK. I would go to A and E if anything changes or worsens.
Yes this is the same advice the dr gave us so I'm definitely going to be trying this through the night as he is just refusing his cup of drink. I've also got some ice lollies in the freezer which I know aren't great but at least it is some fluid! Hate seeing him so poorly!
OP posts: