AIBU to think GP isn't listening to me about my baby?

[monarchbutterfly]

I know you’re not doctors but was just after some advice, and to maybe see if anyone else’s children have been through this? I just feel like my GP isn't listening to me.

My little one is 14 months, currently has another chest infection (he’s been referred to paediatrics because he’s had around 7 already this year, he’s on antibiotics after antibiotics and not all of them work, steroids don’t touch him)

Anyway, this last week, I've noticed twice his lips have been blue after he wakes from his nap. Today was the worst, they were very blue, and stayed that way the entire time he ate his lunch. I mentioned it to the GP (about the first time they went blue) and she said it can happen when a baby has been unwell, he had tonsillitis 2 weeks ago (was on more antibiotics for that) and she checked his oxygen and it was 98%. Each time they’ve checked it’s always fine. But surely it's not normal for a baby to have blue lips?

I have no way to check his oxygen, and he does have a chest infection, but is happy in himself. Eating normally, there isn't a great urine output though. Is this a normal thing with a chest infection? He's never had blue lips before.

You can buy an o2 stat monitor off Amazon for £15

Is he warm enough when he's napping?

I have one, says it is not suitable for kids. Check before buying.

Blue lips doesn't seem normal to me...

My thought are that unless you're wearing a lipstick coloured blue, when your lips are blue at any age it's not a sign of everything being tickety-boo.

My advice, get a second opinion. You are the mother and unless you were to bring your child to the GP surgery as they're asleep to show them, you know your child best.

There's a reason why there's something called mother's intuition!

Sounds like it could be a cardio reason for blue lips.....I'd get a second opinion as blue lips isn't normal in any age.

Do they know what's causing the reoccurring infections? There was a thread not long ago where the posters daughter had similar issues and after much pushing and finally getting a gp it turned out she needed her tonsils removed. Definitely think seeing a different gp is a good idea, hope things improve!

Not to scare you, but... My brother kept getting chest infections and blue lips. He had a serious cardiac problem that left untreated would have killed him. The doctor picked it up incidentally when listening to his chest and my brother moved and he listened in the wrong place! He heard a heart murmur that couldn't usually be heard. He had open heart surgery aged 7 and is now 30 and fine!

So... Go to see a different GP and ask for cardiac issues to be ruled out. It's probably nothing but if it were me I'd be pushy.

See a different GP.
Next time call an ambulance.

These are crazy expensive but might give you some evidence for the GP

owletbabycare.co.uk/products/owlet-smart-sock

If his lips go blue I would call an ambulance or go to A&E. That's really concerning. I would want his heart checked, but my DS does have a heart condition so that may be a cautious response.

When Dtd1 was little she went blue a few times. I was told that little children have a floppy larynx and when it closes up (croup in her case) It can get compressed when lying down and they get blue. Medics stunningly unconcerned.

I think it would be wise to contact another Doctor.It seems concerning to say the least.

Could be sleep apnoea if it just happens after he naps. This is commonly caused by enlarges tonsils and/or adenoids. I would buy an oxygen monitor and keep a detailed record of when it happens (including photos). Keep pushing.

I would push this and keep on AND/OR see another doctor, you wouldn't be wasting anyones time. Did they say anything along the lines of his circulation system still developing perhaps.

I remember my children both having blue lips from time to time. You can't keep giving babies antibiotics. I think you need to relax

Always trust those Mum instincts. That is the one piece of advice I'd give to any new Mum.

They've always stood me in good stead, even when other people have told me I'm wrong, 99% of the time, I've been right!

The NHS website says go to A&E if your child has blue lips and that’s exactly what I’d do.

You've described my child to the letter. Adenoids and tonsils removed at the age of 2 and everything resolved instantly.

Are you serious? Relax?? 😲 They need to find the cause of the chest Infections and the blue lips and yes in the meantime the child will need antibiotics to fight the chest infections.

Yes when dd1 was diagnosed with asthma they said blue lips is something we should look for, it's a warning sign in children. Also when he has blue lips how is he? Is he quiet and lethargic? Is his heart racing at all? Is his chest pulling in, stomach breathing? They're also other warning signs for low oxygen levels op.
Out of interest Does he cough a lot op? The constant chest infections around the same age if your little one was the first sign of asthma in dd1, any illness would be terrible on her chest, she'd be wheezy etc and her cough would be awful. I would get a second opinion xx

@MissMaple82 I need to relax? How do you treat a chest infection in a baby without antibiotics?

My son had many instances of blue lips, blue fingers and toes for years until he was about 7. He was checked over many times but no cause was ever found and he eventually grew out of it.

Scary stuff though

How far away is your paediatrician appointment. If it’s soon I’d wait until then, if it’s a long wait it’s worth creating a fuss. They are listening to you if they’ve referred you and have checked oxygen levels, but it might be that that’s not enough.

Perhaps ask them to check his adenoids as well. This was the cause of blue lips in my son. His were massive.

Does he snore?

I wouldn't like this one bit. There has to be an underlying reason for the chest infections, and for ABs/ steroids not to be working. Next time this happens, I'd go up A&E, which will get you in to see a consultant faster.