At what point do you take a dc (2 years old) to the dr for a runny nose, cough, and slightly high temperature?

[mm22bys]

Hi,

DS2, who has just turned two, last week had a nasty cough that was bad in the morning, a runny nose, and a slightly raised temperature.

I never know when I should take him to see a dr. I know most runny noses, etc, are caused by viruses, which can't be treated with a/bs, but on more than one occassion a runny nose has developed into a chest infection which has meant repeated trips to the dr, and more than one course of a/bs.

I'm after some guidance as when to take him to the dr - I don't want to take him too soon, in case it's "just" a virus, neither do I want him to suffer unnecessarily!

When do you take your DCs to the dr?

Thx

Oh I should add that earlier in the ear, a runny nose developed into a nasty ear infection that STANK, and took about 3 lots of a/b, and a splash of seawater, to get rid off.

He seems to be recovering at the moment, been the best he's been for a week (the dr did end up prescribing a/b as his tonsils were inflamed).

Thx

after the temp has been going on for three days.
or
if he just feels/looks 'sick' to you .

It's a bit of a mother's intuition thing isn't it? There is a difference to "just" a runny nose, and feeling rotten isn't there?

I normally just give him calpol / nurofen to bring it down, worked pretty well last week, it was the cough that was worrying me the most, knowing last time it did get to his chest....

Thanks,

I'd take my DS to the Dr, if it the cough sounded like it's getting worse, you know if he's wheezy or hacking/barking and if it goes on for longer than a normal cold/cough normally lasts.

I would take DD if she has a temp that cannot be reduced easily by calpol/nurofen, and continues for more than say 3 days...if she becomes cranky with it, or if it is a very high temp.

For a raised temp as you would expect with a cold/virus I would give him plenty of water, calpol and lots of rest, give it 3-4 days. Virus' can last for a long time and there is nowt you can do.

My Dr told me I would 'know' if DD had a chest infection as it would obvious by her behaviour, but that has not always been the case...she is a hard girl to get down so on the odd occasion she has actually been really quite poorly with chest infection/ear infection and seemed quite spritely.

I would say go with your instincts after 3 days or so, if you feel he needs to see the Dr, go. Even for reassurance.

Hope he feels better soon x