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Suggest Treatment For Cold, Breathlessness And Coughing Fits In Child
Question: My 16 month old daughter has had a cold for about 2-3 weeks. She has had a cough for about 1 week and did have a bit of croup for 2 days. Her cough is still bad and she is very wheezy and struggles to drink her bottle as she gets out of breath. Her breathing at night gets really bad and struggles when she takes a deep breath in. In the last hour she was playing with her toys and just passed out on the floor i was shaking her to wake up and she got back up fine and carried on playing with her toys as if nothing had happened. She seems fine in herself 50% of the time. But has huge coughing fits and cant breathe.
Brief Answer:
I would advise taking her in to her dr. or clinic.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
This is a long time for her to be having difficulty with her breathing. Some viral illnesses can stretch on, but given the severity of her symptoms, I think it would be important for her to be evaluated in person, and possibly a chest X-ray would be in order.
It's common for croup to be worse at night, and although it may seem like an odd thing to do, taking a croupy child outside (bundled up) in the cool moist air can decrease their airway inflammation and help them breathe easier.
However I am concerned about the severity of her symptoms (passing out) so I think it is very important for her to be seen and her lungs to be listened to by a physician.
I would advise taking her in to her dr. or clinic.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
This is a long time for her to be having difficulty with her breathing. Some viral illnesses can stretch on, but given the severity of her symptoms, I think it would be important for her to be evaluated in person, and possibly a chest X-ray would be in order.
It's common for croup to be worse at night, and although it may seem like an odd thing to do, taking a croupy child outside (bundled up) in the cool moist air can decrease their airway inflammation and help them breathe easier.
However I am concerned about the severity of her symptoms (passing out) so I think it is very important for her to be seen and her lungs to be listened to by a physician.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Will she be ok until tomorrow afternoon to see a doctor?
Brief Answer:
I would recommend taking her in today if possible.
Detailed Answer:
I am concerned about the fainting spell she had - I am assuming that followed a fit of coughing or difficulty breathing?
If you feel she is now entirely comfortable and her breathing is under control, you can consider opening her bedroom window at night to let in cool air but keep her warm with clothing/blankets (it is the airways that you want to be cooled, not the child).
But without seeing her and having the advantage of listening to her lungs, I would error on the side of safety and recommend she be seen today.
I would recommend taking her in today if possible.
Detailed Answer:
I am concerned about the fainting spell she had - I am assuming that followed a fit of coughing or difficulty breathing?
If you feel she is now entirely comfortable and her breathing is under control, you can consider opening her bedroom window at night to let in cool air but keep her warm with clothing/blankets (it is the airways that you want to be cooled, not the child).
But without seeing her and having the advantage of listening to her lungs, I would error on the side of safety and recommend she be seen today.
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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