Any idea what this could be, Dr doesn’t know!

[hubbabaloo]

DD (8) has had swelling in her face all week. Drs originally thought it was down to her dermatitis so they prescribed some cream but it hasn’t made a difference. The swelling has been getting worse everyday, to the point this morning she could barely open her eyes, she also has swelling around her nose so she’s breathing through her mouth. It starts off worse in the morning and gets slightly better through the day but there is still some swelling there at the end of the day.
When we saw the Gp this morning her neck was also really swollen and he said every gland is up. She has no temp but a raised heart rate and says she doesn’t feel well but can’t really describe why. Dr said he has no idea, it could be something viral but her body is obviously trying to fight something as her glands are up. He said it will either get worse, in which case go to a&e or the body will fight it on its own.

anyone else’s child had this and have any clue what it could be?

Oh I should also mention the ruled out allergies as she’s not had any itching or rashes plus no runny nose etc.

I’d go to A and E if it’s affecting breathing. Access to more doctors and specialists. I wouldn’t wait to see if it gets worse.

Dentist - have they ruled out a tooth / mouth related infection?

Antihistamines - have you tried those yet?

Is she on regular ibuprofen for the swelling?

Is there a visible mark anywhere on the skin? Discolouration? Rash etc?

Ice packs on the face, head of bed slightly raised to allow swelling to reduce overnight?

Honestly with worsening swelling that means that today she couldn’t really open her eyes or breathe through her nose, I’d probably already be at A&E. If it’s getting worse everyday I wouldn’t want to risk a breathing issue overnight tonight.

I’d go to hospital as well.

Has she taken any antihistamines, just in case it’s an unusual allergy?

If the swelling is affecting breathing then I’d go to hospital.

Ideas to ask for tests for might include Cushings Syndrome (test for cortisol levels) a thyroid disorder or a kidney issue causing fluid retention. "Don't know" isn't acceptable, the doctor needs to keep investigating until the cause is found. Good luck!

She’s been taking antihistamines and it’s made no difference. She’s also been taking regular calpol and ibuprofen. The DR made is sound like we didn’t need to go to a&e unless it got worse and because the swelling goes down towards the end of the day I’m tempted to go in the morning or through the night when the swelling is at its worst so they don’t just fob us off.

He also said it is probably something viral as her glands are up but he didn’t know what so wouldn’t prescribe anything!

Sounds like a same day referral up to paeds would be eminently appropriate. Has she had a urine dip? Trial of oral antihistamines?

Yeah I can see that that makes sense. I’d have her sleeping in with me if I went down that route.

The GP sounds a bit shit “it will either be fine and if not, go to A&E”

@nocoolnamesleft nothing was done at the drs other than a look in her mouth and ears and he felt her glands. We’ve been trying antihistamines at home but they haven’t helped. I really thought he would at least ring paeds for advice but he just said wait and see what happens!

@WhatAMarvelousTune yes she’s been sleeping in with me all week as I’ve been worried about her but obviously it didn’t start to get much worse until yesterday. She will be in with me tonight so I can keep a close eye!

I'd ring 111 now and say you're concerned due to the impact on breathing, the raised heart rate and the unwellness.

Your GP sounds rather lax.

Is there any chance she has put something up her nose??

That sounds really worrying - I would definitely go down the A&E route. Time your visit when you know it will be at its worse or getting worse - it's so hard to get taken seriously sometimes, and if you end up being seen by someone just as the swelling is going down it might be easier to dismiss.

There's no point ringing 111 and telling them there's a breathing problem, because they'll just tell you to go to A and E.

So you either go there, or wait it out at home, as your GP has advised.

Hás she had a chest Xray? It sounds like when she’s lying down something is preventing blood flow and it improves when up and about during the day? Look up SVC obstruction? Any colour change. Does she feel worse lying down?

Then go to A&E.

Don't take a risk with anything affecting breathing.

assuming not mumps I’d be concerned about an underlying kidney issue or Nephrotic syndrome

What an absolutely useless doctor.

I'd go to A&E.

I had a swelling on my neck, affected one side of face but so much so itvwas affecting swallowing. I was referred for an Ultrasound, in the meantime piriton had brought it down.

The sonographer said any future incidents, straight to A&E.

I'm 50 and it was frightening. Doctors can just be dickheads. Get her to A&E now.

Don't even post here until you are there.

Nah get to A&E - children present well enough until they suddenly don't. I'd go up and get ahead of it in case you're waiting for ages, it sounds bad enough to be an emergency in my view.

Sorry, tough love!! You are not wasting anybody's time.

I'm a bit concerned about the feeling unwell but not being able to put your finger on how. You need to take her to hospital.

@hubbabaloo is there absolutely no rash anywhere?