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Original poster

Please help! DH just taken DS1 to hospital. Does anyone know how ill a child with meningitis would seem?

28 replies

hippmummy · 20/05/2007 19:46

We noticed at bathtime tonight that DS1 (aged 3) has a rash under his arm - maybe about 25-30 small spots. Of these, about 3 or 4 are dark red/purple and didn't fade under the glass test.
NHS direct suggested we take him to hospital and DH has just left with him - I'm here with DS2 so trying to kill time without worrying.
I just wanted anyone's ideas on what it may be. Obviously the glass test had us worried about meningitis, but he doesn't seem ill enough. He's been running a temperature of about 38.5 for the last 2 days. Yesterday he was off his food and really tired, but today he's been much better. We've been out to the park and his appetite is increasing.
There are no stiff neck/ aches and pains or sensitivity to light symptoms.
Does meningitis always make you really sick, or could he have it with these mild symptoms?

OP posts:
kittylette · 20/05/2007 19:48

DP took my son in a few weeks ago as he had a temp and rash on his face, they just kept him inover night and gave him calpol.

he was fine, but they do err on the side of caution with little ones so dont be alarmed if they do keep him in,

Im sure he will be fine xxx

DarrellRivers · 20/05/2007 19:48

you can sometimes get these spots with a viral illness and if you have been vomiting
You should always get them checked out particularly in accompanied by a fever and quickly but bear in mind that children with the purpuruc rash assoc with meningitis are often vvvvv sick at that point, so the fact that your Ds was well in himself is a vvvv comforting sign
HTH

kittylette · 20/05/2007 19:51

DS's rash was caused by vomiting with such force that tiny veins poped in his face causing tiny pool of blood under the skin (that was the rash)

has he been sick? could just be viral and an unrelated rash?

Ceolas · 20/05/2007 19:52

rash and unwell in any way is sufficient to set alarm bells ringing.

best to have him checked out, but hope you'll get some good news soon

Ceolas · 20/05/2007 19:52

"rash and unwell in any way is sufficient to set alarm bells ringing" for the medical staff, I mean.

Original poster
hippmummy · 20/05/2007 20:01

Thanks for replies x
I do know it's better to be safe than sorry so I'm hoping NHS are just being cautious.
Kitty - no vomiting, just a running temp and loss of appetite.
DS2 (19 months) had a fever last week also with a rash, but we weren't worried because it looked how you would expect a viral rash to look and it faded under the glass.
It was just the few dark spots that didn't fade with DS1 that got us concerned.
I'm going to try not to panic as he really didn't seem worryingly sick, and I'll let you know the outcome.

Thanks again

OP posts:
smittenkitten · 20/05/2007 20:39

when Ds was about 6 months old he had a purple rash under the skin that spread up his body in what felt like seconds and didn't disappear under a glass etc. But he was fine in himself - didn't seem ill. took him to emergency drop in centre and Dr said it was just a viral rash and children who don't seem ill aren't ill. We avoided A&E because we'd had to take him there once already and he ended up being kept in when he wasn't even ill!!! so don't be surprised if they keep your DS just in case

expatinscotland · 20/05/2007 20:40

Hippy,
Nothing to add but wishing your son the best and good vibes!

Hope it turns out to be nothing and he's soon home and recovers quickly.

tortoiseSHELL · 20/05/2007 20:40

I think with meningitis they typically get worse very fast, so it doesn't sound like it, but you're absolutely right to check it out. Hope he's ok!

lulumama · 20/05/2007 20:41

hope he is ok..how worrying x

Wallace · 20/05/2007 20:43

My ds used to get a rash like you describe if had been held under his armpits and swung/lifted. Could it be something like that seeing as you've been to the park?

Wallace · 20/05/2007 20:46

hope he is ok btw xxxxx

talcyescapesfromwitchmountain · 20/05/2007 20:48

Heres hoping that all is wellx

liquidclocks · 20/05/2007 20:49

hippmummy, sending out good vibes for you! From what I've heard a child with meningitis would appear very poorly by the time the rash appears but you're defintely doing the right thing getting him checked over. I know it's so worrying, I was there about this time last year with DS1 who went blue and then suddenly spiked a dangerous fever - but you come through it, he was ok because the staff know what they're doing.

FWIW, I've had a rash like that myself and it was just a viral thing - completely harmless. Hope he's ok. If it take much longer you can ring the a&e for an update, they should have seen a small child with a worrying rash by now.

macmama73 · 20/05/2007 20:56

You did the right thing, taking him to hospital. It doesn't sound like it is meningitis but better safe than sorry.

Hope you hear soon, it must be nerve wracking waiting.

Katy44 · 20/05/2007 20:57

meningitis gave me such a bad headache I couldn't see, vomiting and a stiff neck, sensitivity . I got worse very fast - went from feeling good enough for my mum to leave me to go out Christmas shopping (I was 18 BTW!) to when she got back almost being passed out.

My rash passed the glass test!

So hopefully if your DS has improved today it isn't meningitis. I'm glad it's being taken seriously though, as everyone else has said better safe than sorry. I hope he's OK and back home soon and you're not too worried.

twentypence · 20/05/2007 20:59

Ds had a rash that didn't blanch and it turned out to be foliculitis. The temp raise was due to him trying to fight the infection.

MrsCarrot · 20/05/2007 21:01

oh you poor thing, I'm sure it will be fine but better to be safe than sorry. Hope you hear soon.

paddyclamp · 20/05/2007 21:28

I think you've done the right thing to get it checked out, although i'm sure he'll be fine.

My DS (aged 3) ended up at the hosp a few months ago with a raging temp, headache and stiff neck. Turned out just to be virus but the doctors said they'd much rather deal with a false alarm than the real thing that's been left too late

Original poster
hippmummy · 20/05/2007 21:52

Hi thank you all for the responses!

DH just called. They don't think it's meningitis but have given him a shot of penicillin and they are waiting to take some bloods to be on the safe side. I think he will be allowed home.

Poor little DS has been promised a brave boy present and will hopefully sleep like a log tonight!

OP posts:
Wallace · 20/05/2007 21:53

good news

Katy44 · 20/05/2007 21:54

so pleased
you must be relieved
Hope he likes his present

Callmemadam · 20/05/2007 22:02

Hi have had child with meningococaal meningitis so can help - it is REALLY important that parents know that A) the rash can appear without earlier symptoms (ie over an hour or so) BUT that your child would also have become visibly ill v v quickly and B) your child can have meningitis without ever having the rash. The symptoms to look for are: in under 1 year, a bulging fontanelle, and for all children, a high temperature, very pale skin, drowsiness or confusion, cold feet, and a high pitched cry (in babies). Older children can be asked to put their chin on their chest - if their neck hurts they won't do this. Get a torch or lamp and turn the light on suddenly - they may react by flinching away from the light. Poor reflexes are also a symptom. Onset of symptoms is often very rapid. Pneumonoccal meningitis is much harder to spot, but pain and prolonged crying with fever should be investigated urgently, especially if your child has had a diagnosis of ear infection and antibiotics have not reduced the symptoms. The Meningitis Trust is a wonderful org. (sorry am rubbish at links ) and have lots of info on what to look for. Worth checking out in advance! Hippmummy - glad it seems to be good news for you.

macmama73 · 20/05/2007 23:08

@callmemadam
Thanks for the info. Do you happen to know about the vaccinations? One of my friends said that there is a jab for one of the types of menigitis. Is it offered in UK?

DontCallMeBaby · 20/05/2007 23:14

Friend's DD was actually sent home from hospital in a reasonable state after being taken in with a non-fading rash and fairly mild sickness - the hospital took bloods and actually had to call them back in a few days to say 'erm, actually she HAS meningitis'. I was shocked as I always though DH was being daft when he pressed every single rash that appeared on our DD, even when she was perfectly well. Friend's DD was fine though - worst of it was that the whole family had to take meds, including her tiny baby brother, which turned all bodily fluids bright red.