toddler with barking cough and high temp, came on quite suddenly

[MrsNouveauRichards]

DS is nearly 2yrs. Bit lethargic this morning, but as we have been trying to wear him out I wasn't too worried. Through the morning a nasty cough has developed and he now has a temp of 39.8 and no appetite.

Just a virus? Or shall I get him seen by someone?

Hiya
Sounds like 'croup' = barking cough.
Calpol to bring the temp down... Stay with them.
If barking cough gets worse, run a hot bath in the bathroom, with door and windows shut, and gather the steam... sit with him whilst you breathe in the steam. That really helps. But, do concentrate on getting the temperature down.
But, if his barking gets worse, and temp does not come down... ring doctors. And take him in... Let me know how you get on. x

Thanks, I wad wondering if it might be croup, speaking to someone yesterday whose child had it at the weekend.

I have given ds some Atrovent inhalor which he was prescribed last year with recurring coughs.

Oh, and I tried giving him some calprofen but really struggled to get it into him.

My oldest had it - but not bad. Some kids can go down really quickly.. so do watch him close. The best thing, if you have it or can get it is a cold air humidifier... It worked wonders for us.
Lots of fluids, as in - little sips, to keep him from being de-hydrated.
Just keep on checking his temperature every few minutes. I undressed my girl, and fanned her... and put pillows behind her so she wasn't flat.. and watched a dvd together.
Croup can be quite harmless, but some kids can struggle to breath and their lips go purpley/bluey... Any doubts, take him in babe/..x

calprofen is good, and will help bring temp down.

Thanks. Decided to call Dr for advice as he had another coughing fit. They said they would like the nurse to listen to his chest so have an appointment later.

Sounds exactly like DS's attack - except his kicked off at 10pm

Nurse will advise, but his passed in about 48 hours... it's terrifying when it first starts though - you have my sympathy!

let us know how you get on mrsn...x

On the way to hospital :(

Don't forget this year is a 'whooping cough year' - this means there is lots of whooping cough going round (being vaccinated doesn't mean you don't get it, but you may get a slightly milder form).

Was just about to say A&E

Hope all is well op

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It is croup. He has had some steroids and we have been allowed home now. Not looking forward to the night ahead!

Hopefully the steroids work, when DS has attacks normally within an hour of the attack he is fine!

Ah poor you! My DS was admitted at 11 months with croup and a bacterial throat infection - temps of 40+ - had steroids, home 6 hours later, FINALLY (after 3 days of antibios and no sleep pre going to hosp) he slept for a few hours and woke up like a new child.

Never found the steamy room helped him - but going out in cold air (hard at moment!) did help - sleepsuit and coat, 10 mins in garden, breathing much easier (and freezing parents!!)

Hope he recovers quickly :)

Steamy room isn't reccomended any more. I agree the cold air certainly helps, when DS has an attack I open the window in his room on my way into him!

Poor DS. And poor you, it's terrifying isn' it?

My DS has had it about 6 times and the first night is ALWAYS the worst until he gets the steroids/oxygen down him. Your DS will be fine now he has had steroids.

Agree that fresh air better then steam, the Drs always tell us to take DS outside.

If he is struggling to breathe do not hesitate to call 999.

Hope you have a peaceful night x

Hope you are both doing okay ... Very distressing to see them cough so much. Hope he gets better soon.

Thank you all.

I am 'sleeping' on the floor in his room, he has had a couple of hours sleep, sounds dreadful but comfortable enough to sleep. Now awake and sounds much better but quite awake and looking like he wants to play :o little bugger!

How was the rest of your night MrsRichards?

Not too bad actually!
Sleeping in the floor is never comfortable, and every cough and wheeze woke me up (which is why I wanted to be on the floor) at 4.30am I was awake and his breathing sounded so mych better I went back to my bed. DS awake at 6.30 and DH taken him downstairs for some milk and cbeebies.

Just hoping this won't be a regular thing, every time he gets a cough

So pleased you guys are ok. Xx

Thank you.

Today has been a bit up and down and he needed his second dose of steroids, but was very hungry for dinner this evening, so definitely better!