Would you bother taking DD to GP if she was like this....

[luckymummy74]

She is 2.5yrs old. She's had a really chesty cough for about 1-2 weeks. She hasn't got a temp but is not herself...subdued today and gone back to bed after only being up for 2 hrs. She obviously has some 'muck' (phlegm) on her chest that she coughs then swallows.

I can't decide whether to take her to the GP or not. 90% of the time they tell you it's a virus and that it has to just run it's course. I can't be bothered to lug her, and her baby sister, to the doctors if I'm not gonna achieve anything, IYSWIM.

I don't beleive in just giving anti-biotics all the time, but at the same time, if she needs them, I wouldn't want her not to have them cos I haven't taken her to GP.

I've been giving her Calpol and Tyxylix 3 times a day.

Right the key thing is whether it is a chest infection rather than cold virus.

Is her breathing rapid?

you can have a chest infection without rapid breathing

sadly the only way to tell is for a doc to listen to her chest and assess her face to face

she has probably got viral bronchitis but i would take her, as she may have some crackles which could signify infection

if it's been going on that long I would take her. I avoid anti-biotics where poss. but sometimes they are a good idea. If she has a deep-seated chest infection she may need them.

I am a physio and used to do respiratory physio years ago, my DH is a paramedic (very useful family!!) and he has my old (very good quality) stethoscope at work. I could listen to her chest tonight when DH home from work...I know what to listen for.

She's been sort of OK til today but today just very quiet and subdued, just sitting on sofa with her thumb in.

Think I will listen to her chest later and take her to GP tomorrow.

thanks

sorry, no her breathing isn't rapid

sounds like a good plan
if her breathing isn't rapid and no temp and its been going on for a few weeks, it sounds like it can wait till tomorrow

get well soon lo!

If I am in two minds whether or not to see a GP I err on the side of not going. My 5 year old has only ever seen a GP once, and my 2 year old never. My 7 year old has more than made up for their lack of GP visits though.

I just don't like the way they (the GPs) think that any mother who takes her lo to GP is just an anxious/worrying mother...I'm not like that.

I know friends who have taken their los to GP cos they've had a (small) insect bite!!!

I think a decent GP will have a clear idea who is a time-waster and who isn't. And they will have no problem with a child who has been ill for a couple of weeks being presented for an opinion.

Could I suggest you try to move the phlegm by putting a teaspoon of vicks rub in a tub of hot water and let it steam near her. I do this for ds when he is in the bath, close the door and use boiling water in the basin with the vicks or karvol. I also use a humudifier near his room with maybe some karvol to help with breathing. It might help her to breathe better?

that's also a good idea spacepuppy...MN is sooo useful!