10 year old with possible virus saying somethings pushing on his chest

[Layladylay234]

Really healthy ten year old who gets asthma in the damp/cold weather complaining of feeling sick yesterday morning. After school, he kept complaining it felt like something was stuck in chest, gave him his inhaler which didn't help but he wasn't himself and had a minor temp.

Said he was constipated (happens every few months) so gave him movicol and that seemed to clear it up and his chest was fine after bowel movement. Thought maybe the chest had been anxiety about constipation and feeling sick. He had a quick sleep on the couch afterwards which is unusual for him as he never naps when sick!

Went to bed no problems, then woke me up this morning with the chest problem again, saying it feels like someone is pushing on his chest. Said the inhaler helped a bit. He's a bugger for taking his top off in bed so he's gone back to bed with a top on and a warm bean bag. But he says it's not helping.

It's the chest comments I'm really worried about. Any advice?

Sorry, should also have mentioned I've got him to cough a few times and it doesn't sound like there's anything on it (aka no phlegm)

Call 111 for advice

I’d call the doc ASAP. It is probably nothing, or he needs his asthma mess adjusting but you know your child and if a 10 year old is telling you this, I think you’ve got to act.

I’d get an urgent GO appointment this morning. He might have a chest infection and need antibiotics

Yep chest infection gets my vote too. Hope he’s on the mend soon. X

Sounds like it could be a chest infection.

Given the asthma I'd get a soonest GP appointment.

Thanks all. His temp is fine this morning and he doesnt look as pale as he did yesterday. He's also eating Cereal whereas yesterday had very little food! Would a chest infection always come with a temp?

I did 111 online and it said to call an ambulance which seems a bit extreme but I have to admit the chest pains are worrying me. I'll try and get him in at the docs this morning and if not I'll consider the urgent care centre.

If 111 have advised you to call an ambulance why on earth have you not done this?!? At least try calling them to sense check the answer.

chest pain like that could indicate pneumonia. Why haven’t you called the ambulance like 111 suggested?

If definitely get an emergency gp appointment if possible. Children often don't complain much unless in actual pain. Why wouldn't you get it checked out? It's not wasting anyone's time, it could be important.

In all honesty you mention chest pain to 111 and they tell you ambulance.

In your situation I would take him to the gp this morning. Ask for an emergency app. If it's a chest infection they will give antibiotics. If they think it's anything more serious they will direct you to A&E.

Chest infections dont always have a temp. I had one last year and I felt fine in myself just an achy chest - felt like muscular ache and a slight cough. I needed antibiotics

If you mention chest pain to 111 they have to suggest an ambulance.

I’d get a GP or walk-in appt for him today, op.

My son didn't have a temp when he got pneumonia....

i was going to advise 111, but seeing your update has surprised me. If they advocate an ambulance I’d say don’t hesitate. Asthma and chest pain with no phlegm and untypical lethargy would suggest pneumonia.

Thanks all, have called an ambulance.

No 111 don’t always tell you to call an ambulance for chest pain. What ridiculousness. They will ask you loads of questions, often ask you to do perform certain tests, and decide accordingly - I was told to go to urgent care when I had chest pain.

glad you got the advice you needed. was about to say A&E right now when I read the OP.

you can't muck around with breathing issues. far better for A&E to see a dozen false alarms than for one kid to die because it wasn't thought to be too serious.

Hope he is better soon OP.

It could be a silent asthma attack. Bring him to the doctor today and get them to check his oxygen levels and everything else.
Do not think its just a virus, not with asthma.
It could be pneumonia also. Bring him to the doctor today. I hope he is on the mend soon.

Good to hear you have called an ambulance, the worst chest infection I ever had presented with just back pain. I was off work for a month and could barely function for the first two weeks.

@GrumpyHoonMain - No 111 don’t always tell you to call an ambulance for chest pain. What ridiculousness.

A paramedic told me that's what 111 are told to do.

@worriedmumtoteen - lol tell your ‘paramedic’ to read the NHS guidelines, as 111 follow them. Only some types of chest pain needs 999 / ambulances.

How are things @Layladylay234? Hope he’s been seen and is getting treated. All the best to you.

Don't call 111 they are pretty useless and will send an Ambulance. There's not anything they can do so call your GP or go to a Walk in Centre

Every single time I've called 111 they've told me ambulance. Anyway I hope your lad is getting seen op. I wouldn't mess around with chest pain in an asthmatic.