Super sensitive gag reflex

[numberblocks54321]

Hi,

Not sure what I’m asking for, solidarity I guess!

My 4.5yr old with ASD has such a sensitive gag reflex especially with cough/sore throat/runny nose etc.

He has got a nasty cough and fever but he can’t keep calpol down and can’t really keep fluids down. He does a little cough and then huge vomit. I think it’s the sensation at the back of his throat just is too overwhelming. We’ve tried going really slow and he’s currently desperate to drink and I’m letting him have only small sips every 10 minutes which he’s upset about.

Drowning in vommy laundry - happy Easter 🫣

Anyone else have gaggy kids like this?

(ps have been to GP and he has antibiotics as tonsils had white exudate on, although GP thinks it is more likely to be a virus)

Yes, I can relate to this, my son is like that. Coughing causes vomiting. He also can't tolerate any medicine, or multivitamins, even in gummie form, even when he doesn't have a cough. All gets vomited up. He needs ADHD meds, still on waiting list but so far no idea how he is going to take it. I think if he ever needs antibiotics, it needs to be IV.

To get fluid in, have you tried ice lollies?

You can also try syringing a couple of ml every few minutes into the gum between the back teeth and cheek.

For paracetamol, you can syringe it slowly into gum between the back teeth and cheek, it doesn’t hit the back of the throat in the same way (and can’t be spat out there if that is also an issue). Or you could look at suppositories.

Thank you both! He’s now in hospital on IV antibiotics , my husband is with him and I’m at home with our baby 💔

I’m sorry to hear DS is in hospital. I hope he starts to pick up soon. If you need help with getting adjustments made for DS in hospital, check if your hospital has a learning disability and autism liaison nurse. Even if the nurse is ‘only’ an LD nurse, they will mostly help even if the patient only has ASD and doesn’t have an LD diagnosis. Once DS is well enough to be discharged, if he still needs to finish a course of IV antibiotics, ask about home/outpatient IVs. Much easier.

Thank you. He’s on outpatient IV antibiotics until Wednesday ! He’s much better in himself and must be tired as last night he slept the whole night through for the second time in his life 🫣

I think the cannula needs resiting but that’s a problem for this afternoon…. Thanks for advice about autism liaison nurse. Will remember for the future