When to sleep in same room with ill toddler?

[AlmostCutMyHairToday]

My 2yr 11month DS has come down with a temp of 37.8c, and rapid breathing (28 breaths per min). Blocked nose but no coughing or wheezing. Gave him calpol. He was pretty alert before bed, but I just don't know if I'm meant to keep a close eye on him in case things change quickly in the night. Should I sleep in the same room? But if I'm asleep will I even notice if there's a change?

I'm not even totally sure what to look out for / what's an emergency. I've read that if the breaths per min are over 40 then that's a sign of distress, but is that enough to go to A&E? Or is it fast breathing plus some other symptoms? What would warrant waking him / disturbing his much-needed sleep to take him to A&E?

I really struggle to get any perspective when my DS is ill, I just start to spiral and worry : (

Any tips for health anxiety also appreciated. I really need to start working on this.

Can you see any chest or neck recessions? Children do breathe faster when they have a temp, but it doesn't necessarily mean respiratory distress. I would put my two year old in with me, though. Get well soon little one 💙

Ring 111.. ask for advice..

When my kids were unwell I just always brought them in with me.
37.8 is not a mega high temp, did it come down with the calpol?
Just keep a wee eye, prob just has a cold. Try not to worry too much.

37.8 is barely a temp

At nearly 3 I would expect him to cry or shout out or come and find you if he wasn’t sleeping.

Can you top him up with calpol and ibuprofen when you go to bed?

Sorry i meant 38.7!

It was 37c at 4pm, DP gave him calpol then but didn't check his temp again until 8pm, when it went up to 38.7.

I don't think he has any major sucking in of the ribs / neck, though he's trying to breath through his nose which makes it worse.

I'll ring 111

Oh and gave him calpol again at 8pm just before he went to bed

Call 111 and get advice if you think it’s needed. But generally I think getting a goodnight’s sleep is what’s best for recovery and they don’t sleep properly in with us, so my default would always be to put them in their own room as per usual and they’ll yell if they need something.

Have you tried ibuprofen to bring the temp down?

I had to take my toddler ds to the hospital last week after his temp went to 40.1 and wouldn't come down with calpol. After all the checks the nurse asked if he'd had ibuprofen yet - I hadn't as didn't know it can be used to bring temp down too - it worked!

Is he sleeping now? 111 will want you to wake him.

Definitely give calpol and ibruprofen. They work in combination to bring the temp down. Leave 2 hours after calpol and give ibruprofen then repeat. I think it's only 3 x doses of ibruprofe in 24 hours x

When my DS is ill like that I check on him every couple of hours in the night - I’m a light sleeper so when I wake up I go and check.

My DS breathing always gets quicker when his temperature is up and then goes back to normal when the temperature goes down. It always feels very alarming, I hate it when he’s ill.

If it were me I’d check on him now and then again at about 2 and give him more calpol then if his temperature is still high.

If you haven’t already got a forehead thermometer, get one tomorrow so you can do his temperature without waking him up.

I always took a camping mattress/sofa cushions in and slept on their floor. I was close but they had the comfort of their own bed. I figured I'd get more sleep that way

This is really helpful, thanks! I had no idea about ibuprofen either. I'll get some tomorrow

He actually woke up as I was trying to ring 111. Still the same temp but he seemed pretty much his usual self / alert etc, not struggling to breathe.
The fast breathing seems to be when he's sleeping, and much better when he's awake, so I think he's fine!
I'll probably sleep in his room, on a floor mattress, to save getting up every time he wakes.

I'll ring the GP tomorrow for some perspective and to know what to look out for. I just doubt myself so much, whereas DP is just like 'he's fine!'. I hate that I fall to pieces even with a simple cold..!

I still bring my 5yo in with me if he's unwell. Just makes things easier if he wakes and it's comforting for him. It's up to you really.

Also, you do need to be doing something about your health anxiety as you say. Worrying about a&e when your child has a very mild temp isn't healthy and will start affecting your child and their attitude to illness as they age (sorry can't remember sex of child so using they as can't be bothered to go back and check!). Stop goggling, and get some sleep is my advice.

28 breaths per minute is actually slap bang in the middle of normal range for a 2 year old.

I know, I really do, its not good. And Im sure even if I keep it from him he'll pick it up somehow. Kids are so perceptive. I really dont want that for him.

See photo for evidence but his rr is completely normal for a toddler

I really recommend the free Fever Friend app OP. I find it super helpful for knowing when to seek medical help.

Get some baby vaporub or olbas oil

I wouldnt give meds to a child unless clearly in distress or temp over 40.
If you feel unsure, just sleep in the same room.
If something is not right you will wake up. But most likely its gonna be fine. Kids get temps all the time.

I hope you had a good night OP.
http://www.whenshouldiworry.com/
This is a Cardiff university website, so is written to fit in with NHS advice. It might help to reassure you with which symptoms to look out for.
I'd agree with previous posters to phone 111 when you're not sure. You can get advice without needing to disturb your child and a night in A&E is no fun for anyone.
It's natural to worry about your children. As you get more used to what is a "normal" kind of ill for them, you'll become more confident in spotting unusual illness.