When do you call the doctor?

Mrs JillB · May 2012

DS has what I would consider his first real cold. A little sniffly last week, the full-blown chest cough with 102 temp came on Saturday. I don't want to be that parent at the pediatrician demanding to be seen, but how do you determine when it is time to call? Poor little guy has had some rough nights. Also, what do you do to make LO feel better when sick that I haven't thought of?

FrickandFrack · May 2012

With the fever and the chest cough I would definitely call. I ignored an on and off cough with DS for 2 weeks and it turned into pneumonia. MOTY.

j_luvs_r · May 2012

Is he still running a fever? If not, I probably wouldn't call, unless his chest cold is making him wheeze.

Since he's really congested, have you taken him into a steamy shower? That always helps my little guy.

Hope he feels better soon!

ames71 · May 2012

I'd call for that. At the very least you'll be able to speak with a nurse who can help you decide if a visit is a good idea.

Vicks Baby Rub helps a bit, too.

KJmashup · May 2012

I don't mess around with chest colds. I'd call, for sure.

MomlovesEloise · May 2012

If it hits 102 for more than a day or it doesn't break with tylenol, then I'd take him in. I would never worry about being "that parent". Trust your gut.

We do cool baths, baby vicks vapor run, humidifier, little noses saline, lots of snuggles and usually Mickey Mouse.

Hope he feels better!

BelleIsa · May 2012

I'd call if the fever lasted more than 3 days or wasn't going down when I gave Tylenol/Advil...

kcisthebombdotcom · May 2012

Coughing plus fever I would call.

I ignore most minor colds. Runny nose, low grade fever, mild cough with no other symptoms/fever, I would ignore.

Honestly, when he's sick and truly miserable, he gets all the hours of TV he wants. Mickey can comfort in a way nothing else can. lol

BalancingJane · May 2012

I ignore minor colds and fevers that break with Tylenol, but if you feel like something is up, it's worth the peace of mind to call anyway.

Mrs JillB · May 2012

Thanks ladies. I just called the ped and they said he def needs to be seen. Of course, they can't see him until 4:30, but it's better than nothing. I'm going to get some vicks while we're out. He's playing a bit more this morning than he has all weekend, but he's still cuddling with me in front of Disney jr. I'm also going to take him in the shower with me before morning nap. Hopefully that will help loosen things up.

iris427 · May 2012

I would call. When my kids get run of the mill colds, they usually seem fine, runny nose aside. When the cold is accompanied by a fever that high and a miserable child, they almost always have had an ear infection. So I would want them checked over.

chetrick · May 2012

My little guy is sick now too. He is running a fever of 102 and it didn't break with tylenol. I called the doctor/ nurse line yesterday and they didn't seem that concerns. They told me to give lots of fluids, which he is not so into right now because of a stuffed nose, so we are doing lots of watermelon and oranges. The nurse told me not to worry about his fever unless it goes over 104 or lasts more than 3 days.

DS does not have a cough, though, so I am not sure if/ how that complicates things.

I hope your DS feels better soon.

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