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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To take three month old to A&E

72 replies

Hiphopopotamonster · 14/04/2023 07:33

So my three month old has what I am fairly certain is Covid (it’s been running through the family for the last week) I was set to manage her symptoms at home with calpol etc but I’m feeling concerned now - her breathing is very noisy, she feels very hot (our thermometer is broken so I can’t check numbers) and I’m really struggling to get her to feed.

my experience with 111 is that I spend all day waiting for a call back just to be directed to a and e. And same with the gp. So am I being unreasonable to take her or am I one of those drains on nhs resources?

OP posts:
MotherofBingo · 14/04/2023 08:23

At 3 months if she feels hot then yes go to A&E. Take food and drink for yourself and be prepared for a long a
wait though. Obviously the thermometer needs replacing ASAP but at this age its better to be safe than sorry and if she's struggling to feed she could go downhill fast.
When you say noisy breathing is she showing any sign of struggling? Chest retraction or nostril flaring?

Skybluepinky · 14/04/2023 08:24

Breathing issues straight to A&E

GoodChat · 14/04/2023 08:25

Downwithitall · 14/04/2023 08:21

Always go to A&E with a baby. 111 is worse than useless (downright dangerous in fact) so unless you can get a same day gp appointment go straight to A&E.

Hope little one feels better soon x

GPs have to see children under 5 same day

Aerosarethebest · 14/04/2023 08:30

A&e is definitely not an overreaction for a baby this young when you’re worried about her breathing and feeding. Then go downhill fast and they recover fast this small.
Even if you’re just triaged and then have to wait ages you’ll still be safer there than at home - surrounded by trained medics if she gets worse and needs support breathing (like oxygen or a nebuliser).

Original poster
Hiphopopotamonster · 14/04/2023 08:34

So I phoned 111 and they sent an ambulance which we are currently in on the way to the hospital. Thanks for the advice all - sometimes it’s just good to sense check things.

OP posts:
Laiste · 14/04/2023 08:38

Hope it goes well OP. Great to hear an ambulance arrived within an hour!

MotherofBingo · 14/04/2023 08:42

I'm glad your on the way to hospital now, I hope she's better very soon

Tarantullah · 14/04/2023 08:48

Glad you're on your way OP, it is indeed always best to err on the safe side, you did exactly the right thing.

JMSA · 14/04/2023 08:50

Aww, hope the wee one is better soon Flowers

backawayfatty1 · 14/04/2023 08:51

Hopefully little one is ok! Glad you called

KittyAlfred · 14/04/2023 09:28

I assume you gave nurofen too?

Axahooxa · 14/04/2023 09:30

NEVER worry about being a drain on resources-if you think your child needs to be seen, go in.

GoodChat · 14/04/2023 09:30

KittyAlfred · 14/04/2023 09:28

I assume you gave nurofen too?

That's not a good idea for a baby with breathing difficulties

Axahooxa · 14/04/2023 09:31

@KittyAlfred ibuprofen not recommended for covid, can make it worse

KittyAlfred · 14/04/2023 09:33

GoodChat · 14/04/2023 09:30

That's not a good idea for a baby with breathing difficulties

Show quote history

Why not ?

GoodChat · 14/04/2023 09:36

@KittyAlfred because ibuprofen can cause or worsen breathing difficulties

Tarantullah · 14/04/2023 09:39

If baby is 3 months they aren't necessarily the minimum weight yet as its very much the lowest end of the age range for ibuprofen products. It's also not recommended to take on an empty stomach and if baby hasn't been having feeds as usual then I wouldn't use it. As said it can also in some cases exasperate breathing issues, not worth it in this case.

Peppadog · 14/04/2023 09:43

Never hesitate with babies, things can change so fast.

KittyAlfred · 14/04/2023 09:47

GoodChat · 14/04/2023 09:36

@KittyAlfred because ibuprofen can cause or worsen breathing difficulties

How?

KittyAlfred · 14/04/2023 09:51

I expect they’ll give ibuprofen in A&E if baby has a high temperature

PurBal · 14/04/2023 09:54

Yes A&E. DS was blue lighted to hospital with Covid at 8 months. Mostly because he wasn’t feeding and his blood sugars were dangerously low. The paramedics couldn’t put a line in because he was so small. If you have it: full sugar calpol is better than sugar free if she’s not feeding.

Tarantullah · 14/04/2023 09:59

KittyAlfred · 14/04/2023 09:51

I expect they’ll give ibuprofen in A&E if baby has a high temperature

Unlikely but if they do they'll have weighed baby to confirm minimum weight and balance other factors. I see you're trying to criticise OP but they've been responsible.

Zumzum · 14/04/2023 10:05

KittyAlfred · 14/04/2023 09:47

How?

Show quote history

some people with asthma cant take Ibuprofen as its worsens their symptoms (causes increased bronchospam/wheeze)...obv with a very young child you dont know what impact the med will have .

Zumzum · 14/04/2023 10:05

bronchospasm not spam!!!

Dilemma19 · 14/04/2023 10:05

I wouldn't even question this op. Just go. My baby was 3 months and had similar and it turned out to be viral and we were sent right to the front , probably because of her age. I wouldn't hesitate. Good luck.