Toddler chest infection

[Lyndsay92]

After some advice. My daughter was diagnosed with a chest infection on Monday whilst at A&E. She was prescribed amoxicillin. She has a persistent cough that doesn't seem to be shifting. Are there any home remedies I can do to help her? We are exhausted. No sleep due to coughing.

[peege]

Hi Lyndsay, firstly, if on the last day of amoxicillin your daughter isn't whole a lot better please please take her back to have her chest listened to to ensure the infection has gone. In fact don't hesitate to return if the coughing doesn't stop. A good doctor will recognise the coughing of asthma and prescribe a relieving inhaler.

Is it worse at night? I used to prop my son on pillows, almost sitting position as horizontal made the coughing much worse. Also a humidifier in the room helped. Vicks on the chest. Sips of water. My son learnt to deep breath to try to break the coughing cycle. Keep an even temperature if you can, extreme changes can start a cough cycle.

I wish I could help more, our children and their lungs are precious. Good luck.

You could ring BLF help line? UK office hours 03000 030555

[Lyndsay92 in reply to peege]

Hiya. It seems to be worse at night yeah. I have mentioned to doctors previously about asthma. As her dad had very bad asthma as a child. He was diagnosed at 10 months old and had inhalers, nebulisers and steroids. He was hospitalised on a few occasions too. But I just get fobbed off for a chest infection or a viral infection. This is her third chest infection in 2 months. And second lot of antibiotics. I know babies get infections more often because of their immune system being lower than an older child but this just seems to be constant.

[peege in reply to Lyndsay92]

Hi again, yes I'm sorry. It seems docs are reluctant to diagnose asthma these days. In fact my daughter has had similar experience with her little one and was told they don't dx children with asthma until they're six - then proceed to prescribe the inhaler with its little baby/toddler mask (thank heavens for those now).

Little Daisy has been on asthma inhalers now since being a toddler, is now 5.a daily preventer plus reliever as & when needed. It's maddening. They also gave to px amoxicillin as their first line of defence grrrrr, if it doesn't work then they'll either px more amoxicillin or try another.

There's a Belgian GP in my daughters practice. It was him who finally said 'of course she has asthma, what are they waiting for', he px all she needed to help her. Daisy's father has asthma, I do and her uncle too so yes, if course she has it.

In case it's allergic, precautions might be an idea...dust & pet free area for her, eliminate dampness in case it's mould, but conversely eliminate dryness too. If she's tiny perhaps Vicks is too strong for her chest, best check with an expert. Try ringing BLF nurses if you're in the UK.

Lack of sleep is dreadful, I hope you can grab some during the day. P

[Mardi in reply to peege]

It's Impossible to buy ventolin over the counter in U.K. As you know . we can in australia- I couldn't believe you had to have a script and then only one ventolin- we get 2 (or more ) here $7 each over the counter. Sit and say I'm not going until you give me a script for ventolin. Tell them " it's criminal " to refuse it. I've never been brave enough to do that but you might be!

[annienell]

Hi Lyndsay, you've had some good advice here. I second the suggestion that you phone the BLF Helpline (03000 030555). Their expert nurses will listen to your worries, and will be able to advise you on how best to help your daughter, and perhaps on what questions you could be asking your GP in order to get more effective treatment for her.

Very best wishes, and do let us know how you get on.

Annie

[Lyndsay92 in reply to annienell]

I rang the BLF helpline and they said to continue with plenty fluids and rest and to see GP if symptoms get worse or don't improve.

Lyndsay

[annienell in reply to Lyndsay92]

I hope you found talking to them reassuring. It is sensible advice of course, and hopefully your daughter will recover quickly without having to go back to your GP.

Annie

[Hidden]

Hi. I can only offer advice from my own experience ( I have a lot of grandchildren) . You don't say wether your toddler is asthmatic or not ? If so inhaler before bed and in night if needed, plenty of pillows , drink if throats gets dry , cool room ,some kids cough more on one side than the other so try that ..steam is good. Sorry I can't be more help. I've had a lot of sleepless nights with sick kids as well. Good luck xx

[Lyndsay92 in reply to Hidden]

Hi. We have had an emergency appointment at the doctors this morning who have diagnosed her with bronchitis and prescribed her an inhaler so fingers crossed it works. She hasn't been diagnosed with asthma but doctor thinks it's heading that way. X

[Mardi in reply to Lyndsay92]

Well done- you shouldn't have all that worry with them refusing inhaler- criminal as I said!

[Fennella02]

My daughter had pneumonia, sepsis and respiratory arrest at 3 weeks old and it left her with a very susceptible chest. She would cough all night and vomit as a result. The same GP would say 'no, not asthma' and then 'we must treat this as asthma'. Inhalers didn't work for us - we needed nebulisers and oral steroids so do keep going back and back to the GP until you see some improvement. She was eventually dx with asthma but grew out of it by age 6 or so and now rarely gets coughs so ther is light at the end of the tunnel! Xx

[Lyndsay92 in reply to Fennella02]

Thanks Clare. We have a follow up appointment on Monday afternoon to see how she's doing with the inhaler. Just hoping it eases the cough xx

[Hidden]

Hi. I'm pleased you have some help from doctor. Four of my grandsons had inhalers when they we little because of asthma but none off them has it now. I have a 5yr old grandson that has it but only gets it when he gets a cold or cheast infection then he has 2 inhalers steroids and antibiotics but he will proberley grow out of it. I have been asthmatic all my life and at 64 it's well controlled even though it's very brittle. Your toddler could grow out of it too. Best wishes xx