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Original poster

16wk old struggling to breathe - any tips

21 replies

clairejo · 11/02/2007 21:27

my ds is 16 weeks old. he has a really bad cough, blocked nose and a rattly chest. Has anyone got any tips on things that may help. And would he be awake half the night screaming or might there be something else wrong too.

OP posts:
ledodgy · 11/02/2007 21:29

Is he breathing rapidly and is his chest or stomach dipping deeply as he breathes?

AitchTwoOh · 11/02/2007 21:30

can you run the shower and bath to get the bathroom nice and steamy? also put a bowl of boiling water with some eucalyptus or olbas oil or something near the cot. and if you're really desperate, you can always suck the snot out of his nose...

AitchTwoOh · 11/02/2007 21:30

so long as you're sure it's just a cold, by the way... have you been to see the doc?

bristols · 11/02/2007 21:31

Put some carvol or vicks on a muslin in his cot. The fumes will fill the room and make his breathing more easy. Put it somewhere where he can't touch it. Worth seeing your GP tomorrow to rule out a chest infection. HTH

SturdyAngel · 11/02/2007 21:31

You could try steam...run a hot bath & shut the bathroom door, sit in there for a while.
Not sure if they are suitable for babies but if you have any menthol cystals put a very small amount in the bath water.

We have a vaporiser in our dc rooms which seems to help.

When lo goes to sleep try raising the cot at the head end, with books under the legs if possible, or a pillow under the matress.

Could you go to chemist and get some snufflebabe or infant karvol or something?

BandofMothers · 11/02/2007 21:32

If he feels like crap he may well be up screaming..It's so hard to tell when they're that small.
At least you can take him to dr tomorrow. They need to listen to his chest. You don't want the cough to settle there.
He's old enough for calpol, or calprofen at 16 weeks.
Might make him feel better enough to sleep a bit.

Hillary · 11/02/2007 21:32

Go to your pharmacy and get a decongestant to clear up his crackle/blocked nose etc, theres one you can get for 3 months and over, If he's really struggling to breath take him to A&E, not something you can pass off lightly, they can give you a prescription and you can get something from their all night pharmacy.

BandofMothers · 11/02/2007 21:36

Medised is really good. Ok from 3 mths. It dries up all the snot and mucus from the nose and throat and helps them to breate easier, also less mucus helps with the cough. DD always coughs loads when she has a runny nose.
Also medised will make him drowsy and so help him to sleep.

Original poster
clairejo · 11/02/2007 21:42

yeah we seen the doc on friday. but she said there was no infection which was a relief but she said cos of his age there was nothing to give him.
will give the vics a go as got that in now and will try medised or snufflebabe tomorrow. thanks

OP posts:
DarrellRivers · 11/02/2007 21:52

Please don't use Vicks/carvol/eucaplyptus stuff on pillow, muslins clothes etc. I thought it could be a little risky in small children

BandofMothers · 11/02/2007 21:55

I put a couple of drops of Olbas Oil on a flannel and put it near the bed.
Wouldn't rub vicks on.
If still rattly chest this thurs/fri call dr again, or go back.
It shouldn't linger too long!!

DarrellRivers · 11/02/2007 21:56

But the flannel no where near DS could roll on , touch etc

Original poster
clairejo · 11/02/2007 21:59

thanks i thought vicks would be ok as long as not on him or really near him so he could touch it. oh now not sure might just go for the steamed up bathroom

OP posts:
Original poster
clairejo · 11/02/2007 22:01

put some vics o a muslin cloth over the bar of the top of the cot so quite a bit away from him

OP posts:
BandofMothers · 11/02/2007 22:01

dd1 has an Olbas flannel on her shelf as we type.
Never in/on the bed though.
Vicks ok too. Thought vicks was rubbed into chest, but if not on him, will be ok.

BandofMothers · 11/02/2007 22:02

Propping up good too. I put a towel or two under the mattress.
Easier to breathe when not lying flat

BandofMothers · 11/02/2007 22:02

Propping up good too. I put a towel or two under the mattress.
Easier to breathe when not lying flat

BandofMothers · 11/02/2007 22:03

ooops, didn't mean to post that twice

amidaiwish · 11/02/2007 22:52

oh this time of year is horrible....
i have this humidifier which is excellent and the bed blocks are great for safely propping up one end of the cot
both are here

juuule · 12/02/2007 09:22

Check that the Olbas oil/vick whatever is suitable for a child under 6months.

BandofMothers · 12/02/2007 10:25

Olbas ok from 3 mths

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