How bad does a cough need to be to see a GP?

[OrmRenewed]

DS#1 has a slightly raised temp and a horrendous cough. Made himself sick yesterday coughing. Kept himself awake for house last night with it. I've given him cough medecine (what I can give a 7 yr old) and ibuprofen solution.

GP or just wait it out?

GP

Is his breathing laboured? ie. does his chest between his ribs dip in and out with each breath?

Is his breathing noisy? Is he coughing up anything?

What is he like in himself - is he eating and drinking normally?

Thanks.

His breathing seems OK most of the time. Yes he's coughing up pale phlegm - not much. Not eating or drinking as much as usual. In fact that reminds me I must take him some juice. He's tucked up in bed watching Scooby Doo.

It's up to you. Most of these coughs/colds are viral and the GP can't do much anyway but if his breathing gets worse or if he has a temperature that won't come down then he needs the doctor.

Oh belgo, thanks. He seems OKish atm but quiet.

how is he now?

Thanks for asking.

Still warm, still coughing like mad. I am starting to feel really bad too. What's the best think to do to help him? I've got cough linctus and calpol, trying to keep him propped up in bed.

If it is a dry(ish) cough I find the best thing is a cough medicene containing Pholcodine - it really does work to suppress the cough reflex. Worth a try if you haven't already.

If there is some phlegm in the day you could only use it at night so he coughs up what he needs to in the day then gets a good night's sleep.

Hope he's feeling better soon.

Thanks cyanara - I will pop out when DH gets home.