when should i worry...

[FriggFRIGG]

temp of 38c
drowsy
irritable
confused
says her skin hurts?!

she is usually a very active child and today she's barely moved from the couch.

the temp started at 37c last night,so it's risen since then,she didnt sleep much last night and seemed/seems quite confused.

shes still drinking,nibbling on food and aware enough to watch a bit of octonaughts

shes 2.7years.

when do i inwardly start to panic then?

If she's drowsy and confused, I'd not panic, but give the doctor a ring.

I'd trust your own instincts. If you are worried, get a doc's appointment. What in particular are you worried about?

Confused- deffo call the doctor.

38 is a lowish fever, therefore unlikely to cause drowsiness/confusion on its own. It could be the underlaying infection that's doing it.

If you're really worried, A&E.

im worried because shes lying down,trying to fall asleep (she has NEVER done this) but she cant seem to settle and keeps sitting up.
shes also a bit confused,she thinks daddys in the bathroom (he's at work) and is desperate to see him.says she wants to go home (we are home)

shes also making moaning noises every so often like shes in pain.

i guess shes normaly so go,go,go,even when shes been ill before,a real trooper!
im not used to seeing her like this at all.

A&E

Temperature itself is no biggie.
Child can have a temp f 40 and just a cold and low temp with a serious disease.

It's the way that they behave that's important.

What I mean is that it's not a normal way to react to a low fever.

OP, hope you're on your way to A&E/doctor.

sorry been on the phone to the doctor,they're going to phone me ina minuite

Hope your DD is ok and that you are at A&E.

Here have a look at this chart NICE recommendation

Ok, good.

I'm a bit worried because I know that DC's paed would tell me t go to the hospital with those symptoms, and she's usually very laid back (as in, temps over 40 don't worry her, if the child is relatively perky).

Confusion is one of the symptoms of meningitis.

How is she now?

cuddely which is odd.

daddys home now,so she's abit happier.

not sure how long i should wait for the doctor to call back though.

Maybe try NHS direct and see what they say? 0845 46 47

Children whose symptoms or combination of symptoms suggest an immediately life­threatening
illness (see Chapter 4) should be referred immediately for emergency medical care by the most
appropriate means of transport (usually 999 ambulance). (5.3)

Children with any ?red? features but who are not considered to have an immediately life­threat­
ening illness should be urgently assessed by a healthcare professional in a face­to­face setting
within 2 hours. (5.3)

Children with ?amber? but no ?red? features should be assessed by a healthcare professional in a
face­to­face setting. The urgency of this assessment should be determined by the clinical judg­
ment of the healthcare professional carrying out the remote assessment. (5.3)

Children with ?green? features and none of the ?amber? or ?red? features can be managed at home
with appropriate advice for parents and carers including advice on when to seek further attention
from the healthcare services (see Chapter 9). (5.3)

Page 19 of the NICE recommendation

Going by what you have said, I would say you definitely need to see a doctor. It may just be a viral infection, but you need to have her seen.

Totally agree with winnybella - the confusion is the sign to watch here the temp does NOT explain it.

The restlessness and irritability are important too, how is she in herself now? I'd take her to A+E if she continues to be restless/irritable/confused etc.

My ds was very poorly last week with a temp of up to 40 over 5 days, he was very irritable and restless and it completely wiped him out - we saw the paeds in A+E on two occasions, they are always happy to see a child and send it home well. Ds had some viral thing, he perked up both times he was seen but the Dr's were happy to see him and I was reassured.

Don't wait too long if she does'nt pick up, it isn't worth it.

Btw I am an A+E nurse but when it comes to my children being poorly I lose all objectivity, If you feel unsure/unhappy/un-nerved always seek immediate advice - paeds value parental concern highly.

the doc called,she said more calpol and to go there at 12. seems a long time to me

thankyou verycherry,im feeling quite panicked,and i dont usualy. might go straight to A&E

I agree with Winny and VeryCherry.

Better safe than sorry.

Would you get seen faster at A&E than going to doc?

Just go Frigg, if you feel panicked and are normally quite calm then take heed! It'll probably all be fine but its definitely best to get checked asap, you will feel better when there with help at hand just in case - I felt more rational once in A+E!!

Let us know how you get on, hope she's feeling better soon.

Oh and am not a great fan of telephone triage - particularly for kids, GP may well refer you up to paeds anyway...

Hi Frigg. Trust your instincts.

If you feel she needs to go to A & E, go. It will put your mind at rest rather than just sitting worrying.

I will check in later to see how you are all doing.

A&E, I think as they'll be able to give ger ABs right away in case of supected meningitis.

Tbh if she says in A&E that the child is drowsy/confused, I would imagine she'll get seen quickly.

go with your instincts every time

Mme Lindt - she would be triaged on arrival by an experienced nurse who will be able to prioritise her and get her seen very quickly if need be, the nurse should be able to initiate interventions such as further meds, getting urine sample etc.

Help is also immediately on hand should she deteriorate whilst waiting to be seen.