Chesty cough in 8 month old - when to go to Doctor?

[sheeplikessleep]

DS2 has had a chesty cough now for at least 2-3 weeks (might be longer). He is fine in the day, a bit of an intermittent cough, but nothing untoward.

At night time however, he has these very phlegmy and chesty coughs, where he's had episodes where he is gagging, choking and in obvious pain.

Not sure whether I'm over-reacting by thinking of taking him to the Doctor. As I say, he seems fine'ish in the day and happy in himself, no temperature, but it is quite a cough at night. We've had him in the choking position twice (i.e. head lower than body and slapping him on the back a bit to clear his throat).

Any thoughts? Thanks for reading.

I'd take him. He's small and sounds like it needs checking out. The surgery will be packed today with other parents in various degrees of wondering whether to bother the GP.

WWISA is right - I am one of those other parents. My 8 month old DS has a cough caught from his sister which seems to have settled on his chest and I don't like the sound of it. He's had it about a week and I've just booked him an appt with the doc this morning. They were happy to see him because of his age.

Trust your instincts - what you describe sounds more than a bad cough. My DD's (2.5) cough is hacking and horrid but it hasn't settled on her chest in the same way so I'm not taking her. I hope your DS is feeling better soon.

thanks for posting.
i phoned up, but they are heaving today and i said it wasn't an emergency (they asked). he is booked in for 9.30 tomorrow morning.

i'm sure it isn't an infection, as he is fine in the daytime (quite content and playing happily). but i think i need some reassurance it isn't anything more.
thanks again
mumwithareindeertattoo - hope your LOs are both on the mend soon.

I'm glad you managed to get him an appt with the doctor. As you say he's probably fine given that he's OK in the day but best to get it checked and put your mind at rest.

The doctor said my DS was OK and not to worry that he's wheezing. He checked his chest and ears and said no infection and I do feel happier. Hopefully you'll get similar reassurance tomorrow .