Just been to a&e, but unimpressed and worried

[Sickandtired14]

Rang 111 and advised to attend a&e. So I did. 19 month old with low temp 35.3, pain in ear, bloated belly and... Just not herself. Nose is pouring out this thick greenish snot. She struggles to breathe, rattly congested chest.

They checked her over and announced 'it's a virus' that's it. Keep her warm, fluids etc. Calpol/ibrupofen as needed. Rest.

They could not expand on the diagnosis any further. Just felt a bit like 'we're not sure what's wrong so it's a virus'.... Am shattered and hate seeing her unwell

Oh you poor thing. It's rubbish isn't it. Hope your dd gets much better soon x

Take her to the GP first thing and explain if all.

Sounds to me like she's unwell with a cold!

It sounds like a heavy cold.

Follow their advice and I'm sure she'll be back to normal in a few days. If not, get her an appt with your GP.

Keep an eye on her though, 99 times out of 100 they are right and it's just a cold (they'll say 'upper respiratory virus' or just 'virus' but they normally mean cold!) but if she goes downhill and your instincts are pinging (and esp. if she stops drinking) then don't feel you can't take her back - though I would go with GP first too.

It's horrible seeing your kids ill but if it is just a virus there really isn't much you can do apart from let it run it's course. If she's uncomfortable then give paracetamol and ibuprofen.

She hasn't got a temperature and it sounds like she may just have a bad cold. However if she stops drinking and stops having wet nappies and is struggling to breathe using her chest muscles then get her seen.

You could raise the mattress in her cot to help her breathe, saline drops for her sniffly nose and maybe get some 'snuffle babe'.

Keep a close eye on her. If your spidersense is still tingly then go and see the gp too.

Try elevating her bed/cot one end and this will help keep the congestion off her chest & tummy and don't be afraid of a good lathering with vicks vapo-rub or olbas oiled blankets to help with the congestion.

Running a really hot bath (so there's loads and loads of steam in the bathroom) that she gets into once it's cooled to her temperature may help too.

it's no fun seeing them poorly

35.3 degrees is very low.

Both a too high and a too low temp can be caused by an infection.

What thermometer are you using? If it's an ear thermometer did you use a new cap?

It could be an ear infection or chest infection. Could be a virus, could be a bacterial infection.

I would keep a close eye on him and if in doubt seek advice. If he becomes undercooled again I would warm him through skin to skin contact, blanket, warm drink, something to eat to warm him.

Hopefully he gets better soon.

Saline spray like Sterimar may help clear the cold quicker and reduce the risk of ear infection.

Thanks all. She seems much better now. This afternoon she has perked up. I was just so stunned by the hospitals blasé approach. Felt like a huge waste of time and money, you know?? Done all the above and gonna give her a bath tonight before bed, let her play and try to clear her out a bit!!

What's a concern for us is very routine for healthcare staff.

They could have offered you a little more reassurance, but I'm gad to hear that your dd is improving.

Sometimes it is a virus. Plenty of cuddles, fluids etc and she should be feeling better soon. I know its hard, we've all been there. You'll all be ok.