Wheezy two-year-old ...

[NotQuiteCockney]

DS2 (2.5) has a cold. Lots of coughing, runny nose, slightly warm, etc etc.

He can breathe, he's not out of breath, his lips aren't blue.

But he has a weird rattly/wheezy noise when he breathes, along with a horrible horrible cough that keeps him from sleeping. The rattly noise almost sounds like cellophane (sp?).

Is this just a normal cold side-effect? At what point do I take him to the doctors? What can I do to make things easier for him?

He was reasonably happy today, but miserable this evening, so I gave him a half-dose of Medised, and he's gone to bed. He has snufflebabe on his chest.

I would take him tomorrow to have his chest listened too - probably transmitted sounds you are hearing but I would want anything more serious ruled out. Poor little chap!

how is his chest moving?

Oh gah. I am working at the co-op tomorrow morning and of course fetching DS1 in the afternoon. Guess I'll call the practice tomorrow morning and try to get him seen tomorrow if I can.

I think his chest is moving normally. I need to be concerned if his stomach is going down a lot?

if its pulling under the ribs or around the neck then rush him straight in.

dd3 often rattles when ill, but dd1 chest will recess if breathing probs.

Make sure he's seen tomorrow, don't leave it as it could be a chest infection. I had one while labouring with ds2 and had it for 3 weeks before getting to the dr. I ended up waking one night and not being able to breathe properly with chest and shoulder pains, scared the life out of me. It was extremely painful as well.

Before this evening, he didn't even seem unwell. We went to a party, he wandered about, was happy and independent. We got home, he was miserable, wanted to bf, then was ready for bed (without dinner). Then couldn't go to sleep because of the coughing, so I drugged him, got him properly in pjs, bfed him, and put him to bed again. He is asleep now.

Well, that didn't last. He woke up, and was just screaming between each breath. His breath seemed less wheezy though.

It took a while, but we got him calmed down enough that he had a bf, and then accepted some meds. Looks like we're in for a rough night. I already have an idea of who I can call tomorrow to cover my shift. We might go to the GPs, if we stay home.

He slept all night! Until after 7:30! Thank god.

I woke before 7 and got myself all worried, because I hadn't checked on him (I don't generally check on him in the night!). But I went in and he was fine. I think the wheezing is more to do with his nose - I can hear him breathing best when he's bf, and of course that's all through his nose.

He's perky and energetic today, so I might skip the GP, depending on how he is later. He's busy playing with a garage, and I've got to get ready to go do my shift.