Sick kid...any doctors/nurses around tonight?

[BamaGirl]

What is the current thinking on when you should take a kid to the ER or wait for the drs office to open? She's 7 and asthmatic, and has a high fever and hacking cough. I have a feeling she's getting the flu (so much for that shot). Normally, I'd just wait for the drs office to open in the morning, but this fever is kinda freaking me out.

[seriousstan]

1. How high?

[yellowdogintexas]

2. how high? and for how long?

kids can really spike fast sometimes. And if it is flu, that is just part and parcel of the flu.

[BamaGirl]

5. It's down to about 103 now.

She came and got me about an hour ago and it's come down some since then though. It seems like she gets every virus that ever goes around. The only time I've seen her get a fever this high is with pneumonia.

[JohnnyCougar]

17. 103....holy mother of god. I dunno, that's VERY high.

[wtmusic]

3. Motrin to lower the fever

You can alternate with Tylenol every three hours. Important to get that fever down.

[seriousstan]

4. Nice

Childrens Advil also

[yellowdogintexas]

7. plenty of fluids too, and most pediatricians recommend alternating the

tylenol and ibuprofin with kids.

The fever is part of helping her body kill the invading virus, and it could jump up and down all night.

If you can keep it @ 103 or below, she should be ok, be sure she drinks as much as you can get her to drink.

If your doctor has an oncall service, you can call there...the dr that is taking call will call you back for dicussion.

[leftofthedial]

8. I second the motion on the fever

if it continues at 103 or below, let it run its own course.

[BamaGirl]

9. Thx ydt

It's sliding down a little under 103 now. Gonna be a long night I think.

edited, under 103 not 102. It's already been a long night lol.

[BamaGirl]

6. Thx, I can't give her anything else for a couple of hours. nt

[shraby]

10. Give a sponge bath with

tepid water. It will help cool her down too.

[Tsiyu]

11. Pulse and respirations

Keep track. An increase in heart rate can indicate trouble breathing. Is she wheezing? Take her in.

Is she "retracting" ( can you see the area around the ribs cave in with each breath, and the stomach pulled in as well) If she is, take her in.

Better to be safe here. A spike in temp means the body uses more oxygen. I'd go to the ER unless you have a nebulizer and fresh meds.

[BamaGirl]

12. Thx, I've been keeping a close eye for breathing problems

and she does seem to get at least one nasty respiratory virus a year, so we have a nebulizer and get new meds a few times a year for it. Wheezing we can't control in a very short time is the one thing that always sends me to the ER.

[Tsiyu]

18. How's she doing

My youngest had reactive airways disease, and viral infections always irritated his little scarred lungs. Lord, how many nights I sat up with that little man giving breathing treatments!

I also was a pediatric RT tech so I administered plenty at work, too.

My heart goes out to you BamaGirl.

How's that baby this morning?

[BikeWriter]

13. Got any Pedialyte on hand?

It's great for replacing their electrolytes. If not, try a sports drink. I hope the poor dear is all better soon. :-(

[T Town Jake]

14. Can't offer any medical advice...

...but I've been right where you apparently are with a sick kid before. I've walked those worry-sick floors, too. I can't advise, but I sympathize entirely, and send my sincerest wishes for your daughter's health and speedy recovery. Hang in there.

[NurseLefty]

15. Does she have a peak flow meter?

If so, monitor her to see if she's out of her "green zone". Also, are there any consulting nurse hotlines in your area? Many hospitals offer free 24-hour nurse hotlines. If so, you can discuss more via a phone conversation.
Fluid intake and Tylenol should help, also. Ultimately, err on the side of caution. Take her in to the ER if you have any doubts, esp w/ her asthma.
Good luck, and I hope she feels better.
(Disclaimer - I am a registered nurse *technician* - a senior BSN student. Not an RN until I graduate and pass the board exam next summer!)

[FM Arouet666]

16. Go to the ER

I get calls at all hours of the night, and I would tell you the same thing I tell my own patients. If you feel concerned, no one can diagnose your child over the phone or Internet. Go to the ER. From your description, you have reason to be concerned. This is the safest option.

Peace and Good luck.....