If a child continues to have breathing problems for 3 weeks when should they do something else for them?

Question

He was diagnosed with rsv last week, until then they hadn't checked and thought it was broncholitis. When they finally diagnosed that they had given him a nebulizer, yet here it is a week later and he still is having a lot of wheezing, congestion, and cough. He's 10 months old and still active, but anytime he's been sick he's been active. I don't understand why they won't listen to me and help him. I told them he was having trouble sleeping at night too and they pretty much acted like I was lying. They said he has asthma too possibly and put him on pulmicort two days ago but nothing seems to be helping the breathing / congestion. They said it would just take time, but this is also the doc that didn't check him for rsv and said there was nothing else that could be done until I took him to the ER and they said he needed the neb at home if nothing else. They thought about keeping him. What can be done at this point. Please answer very concerned mother here.

I appreciate everyone writing in to help. It is just so discouraging because this has been going on for so long and just seems to be worse at times. If not worse the same. They said he should be better days ago. Also he has had wheezing off and on since birth so it's very scary that he is this sick now. Thank you all again for thoughts and prayers. Casey

Sorry to write again just wanted to add he has been on steroids for 5 days now.

The neb is at home 5-6 times a day, with two diff meds.

Answer 1

My son had severe breathing problems until he saw a Peditric Pulminologist who refered him to a pediatric ENT. After surgery he is now better but he still has problems (laryngomalacia and aspiration). My pediatrician is outstanding and will see and treat my son any day. If you are not satisfied with your doctor, FIND ANOTHER! Your son can be treated and should. My son (8 mons) had brocitis the begining of Jan and had to be treated, he was promptly given an xray to check for pnuemonia and RSV. He now has a cold and is given Neo DM drops, anti-biotics, nebulizer 4x a day, and saline sprays because breathing problems are so serious!! If the child cannot breathe it is life-threatening! Demand treatment and if your current doctor is not listening or you feel he/she is not treating your child with the best possible care, please find another doctor because if your child has asthma, additonal congestion can be very serious!

Answer 2

At this point he should start getting better, even without medication. Since he has a virus no antibiotics will help, although with very sick kids there is always a worry of pneumonia developing while they are trying to fight off the RSV. Tylenol and ibuprofen for pain or fever will help his fussiness, but the stuffiness will have to go away on it's own.

At the hospital they evaluate kids for their oxygen level, their hydration, and how hard they are working to breathe. The oxygen level is measured, but at home you would notice him looking dusky especially with activity, sucking in between his ribs when he breathes, and not being well enough to play. If he is drinking normally his hydration is OK. Some children vomit when they are coughing or breathing heavily, and some don't have the energy to eat at all. Any of these problems are signs that he needs to be seen by a doctor again.

You say he was given a nebulizer- do you mean to go home with, or just a dose at the hospital. If it helped you can ask for a prescription. Cool mist will help him keep his airways clear, and some moms feel that a mentholated ointment helps kids feel clearer too. It is normal for him to have trouble sleeping, just as an adult would if they had a cold and trouble breathing. If you have a seat (a carseat?) so he can sleep sitting up a bit it may help drain his mucus.

Give him lots of clear fluids, but avoid milk since that can make the congestion worse in some kids. As long as he is drinking and keeping his oxygen level up there is nothing they would do in hospital that you can't to just as well at home. It is certainly scary to watch kids when they are sick, and don't be embarassed if you just want to take him in again to have him checked. Why don't you make an appt with your doc so you have the reassurance of another set of eyes on him besides yours. Make sure they check his ears since an infection can be caused by the congestion and infected ears hurt badly.

If you feel strongly that he needs to be admitted a second trip to the ER and telling the doc that you want him admitted will usually do the trick. Even if they don't think he is that sick they will usually admit overnight to watch him.

Answer 3

RSV is very tricky. Antibiotics won't help and there is no vaccine. Currently a "vaccine" is being tested but it does not work. My sister got it two or three times and her daughter still got RSV/bronocholitis. Which, they are both interrelated.

If nothing is getting better take him back to the ER and demand some steriods. They gave my neice steriods the first time she was in the ER. It gave her the strength to fight off the virus.

A nebulizer at night will help make breathing easier.

I'd get another doctor. This one doesn't seem to have your son's best interests at heart. Don't take him back there. There are many doctor's out there. My insurance company has a search engine on line I can check for peditricans locally (that are covered by my plan). Ask some of your friends/neighbors that have small kids about good doctors in the area.

Answer 4

I don't know what rsv is and have never dealt with similar issues.

I would get a second opinion. Check around and find out who is a specialist with a good reputation in your area (unfortunately, I don't know how to do this).

Keep a journal. Include meds, child's reaction. Also include foods and other exposures such as pets.

Tread with caution, though. Many mothers who have children with vague, hard-to-diagnose medical issues have been deemed to have Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy and lost their children over it (start at msbp.com). Make notes of who sees your child in distress at the hospital (you may need witnesses that he did not get better under treatment). I am not trying to frighten you, but this does happen to people who are just trying to help their baby and who trust the professionals to be, well, professional. But the pros are just people, too, and subject to their own biases, which can spell disaster for an innocent family. Forewarned is forearmed.

Answer 5

I'm so sorry that your son is sick, I know that can be very scary. First of all, I would take him to a different doctor ASAP and get a second opinion. I don't know what kind of insurance you have but alot of companies now days have some sort of program where they can help refer you to specialist when you don't really know where to turn. Or you can call the ER and talk to the charge nurse and tell her about the problems you are still having. If you have to take him to the ER everytime he has problems breathing. I would, and wouldn't think twice about it. Sometimes doctors don't think that they can ever be wrong. I went thru the same thing when my son had pnuemonia and he was allergic to penicillian. The doc kept telling me that he wasn't allergic and I ended up in the ER with them saying that he was. SOmetimes you have to use your instincts as you have to protect your child and that means from idiot doctors as well. If you have a childrens hospital in your area, I would take him to the ER there. I've been told to do this as they know how to deal with children better. They are more familiar with treatments etc. Insist that they keep him if you feel that he should be admitted. Good luck and I hope your son feels better son.

Answer 6

I know its rough when your little one has RSV and all the wheezing and coughing, but really, there is nothing they can do besides the breathing treatments. Its a viral infection so antibiotics will not treat it. The breathing treatments will help to open him up and make it easier to breathe, also run a humidifier in the room he is in constantle.
Feel free to email or message me, I have been through this and ended up with a chronically ill child from it

RSV can take weeks to a couple months to clear up. the wheezing may turn into asthma or reactive airway disease.

Answer 7

Oh my....I'm so sorry for you! But the others have said it all by now...he's immature, he is basically a jerk who has no idea what to do with his life, and clearly doesn't want the responsibility of being a father. Tell me, is that what you want for YOUR life? I mean, I know everyone tells you to think about your baby, and it's true!, but, your own feelings and life is a stake here too! Do you really want him to come back and say "I'm sorry", and get back to you? Do you truly think that will be it and he will be miracoulusly happy and ready to be a father and husband/life partner??? I don't think so...and deep inside, you know he's not. So, I think you should try to get some kind of professional help, or a counselor, go to church, talk to your pastor/priest, someone who can help you and guide you to overcome this problem....and focus on YOUR life and YOUR BABY. Don't let this jerk ruin your life and your pregnancy...move on, don't beg him for love or attention...he clearly doesn't deserve you, or your baby's love! Move on, focus on the future, and things will get better. I really encourage you to go to church, get close to God, He can heal your heart :) Lots of blessings!!! :)

Answer 8

I would seriously consider telling the pediatrician to refer you to a specialist I'm not sure of the term but I think is a pulmologist?...any event I suggest you be as pushy as you want to be this is your baby!! To bad if they think you are hysterical....MOM's are supposed to be Hysterical specially when it comes to our kids breathing...If your questions are not answered and you still have doubts never leave without being fully satisfied with the answer. Good luck I hope baby feels better I will keep him in my prayers.

Answer 9

Hmm did the ER give you any idea how long it should take to get better? Why don't you call the hospital back(the main line should do it) and see if there is an aftercare clinic available to you.

Answer 10

Make a complaint about the doctors who don't listen to you, and find one that will.
Since your little one is still ill, go back to hospital and yell until they take you seriously.
I'm so sorry that you are being treated this way by medical 'professionals'