Hello everyone,
I'm reaching out as I'm feeling a bit uncertain and could really use your advice or experiences. My 13-year-old son has a growth hormone deficiency and has been on nightly growth hormone injections for a while without any issues or side effects.
Three weeks ago, his endocrinologist increased his dose in stages. He was fine with the first increase, but after moving to 0.8 last Tuesday, he woke up Wednesday with a headache and a blocked or pressure feeling in his ears. Later that day, he started complaining of a sore throat.
By Thursday, the headache and ear symptoms had eased, but his sore throat has progressively worsened. Yesterday, he woke up with almost no voice—it's hoarse, high-pitched, and squeaky—and he has a slight cough. There's no fever, runny nose, sneezing, or other typical cold symptoms, but he’s clearly in pain and uncomfortable.
I initially wondered if this might be a side effect of the increased hormone dose since his medication does list throat and ear infections as potential side effects. But the timing could also just be coincidental, and this might be a virus like laryngitis.
He also has autism, ADHD, and selective mutism, which makes it hard for him to communicate when something's wrong, as well as a rare genetic condition that compromises his immune system.
I’ve been debating taking him to the doctor, but my husband thinks I’m overreacting and that it’s just a virus that will pass.
If it were your child, would you take them to the doctor, or am I being too paranoid? I’d appreciate any advice or similar experiences.
Thanks in advance