[*lalah*]

My daughter is 20-21 months and since daycare, has had a massive onslaught of illness. I feel extremely guilty because I have called out the locum a couple of times, and also call the 24hr medical line a LOT, and each time it's just been a cold.

Today she has another cold, HEAPS of snot, tired and quiet and now she seems to be breathing heavily. Her lips aren't blue or anything like that.

I'm just trying to decide whether to keep an eye on her and see how things progress or call a locum?

Other times I would absolutely call someone, it's just that I am a real hypochondriac, so I don't trust my own judgement. I feel horrible to think I am abusing public services with my incessant calls and concerns. My hypochondria is so severe I go to the doctors several times a month, and struggle with panic attacks from psychosomatic symptoms. I have a history of being like this with my daughter too, like if she bumped her head I would panic etc.

ETA I have talked to my partner about it and he agrees she is breathing heavily/stuffy, but he would never have thought twice about it.

This post has been edited by *lalah*: 07/05/2012, 07:33 PM

[caesie'n'linc]

Does she have a fever? Is she struggling to breathe or just breathing heavily because she is congested?
Those are the two things I would look at before deciding if a dr was needed now or not
My GP says that there's usually no need to rush to the dr and you should wait a few days to see if the symptoms will improve on their own. Obvious exceptions are things like fevers that can't be controlled or last longer than about a day, rashes, etc.

Trust your judgement in these situations
You aren't wasting anyones time by calling the nurses/drs, you are just doing the best for your child. If a visit from the dr reassures you then call and get them to come check your daughter out.

[3_for_me]

If you think you are probably over reacting and your partner thinks it's just a bog standard cold I would be trying to help her feel better with some home remedies first, standing in a steamy room to try to dislodge some snot is always my first try.


Ultimately though the services are there for a reason and if you are really worried about her them get her checked out.

[*lalah*]

Just took her temp, 38.5. I'm not sure about whether struggling or congested, she is ridiculously snotty and really mouth breathing.

Thanks for your advice... might call someone

[mibi]

Have you tried some Little Fess for the snot? Vicks Baby Balsam is also great for congested chests. Or some eucaplytus oil with a vaporiser.

The thing with calling the Dr is what can they do? If it's a virus (eg cold) all they will do is recommend rest, fluids etc.

As for the breathing, my doctors have told me to worry if they seem to be sucking in around their ribs when they breathe.

But if you are at all concerned, call the doctor. My GP has also said they would much prefer to see 100 healthy babies, then 1 baby that has been left too long to get medical care.

[*lalah*]

She is breathing around the stomach and below the ribs, but it seems more puffing out rather than in with breath. We will keep an eye on her and call if anything changes.

Thanks everyone for the reassurance. Hypochondria and anxiety is really awful, I appreciate the responses.