TTMA colds and babies

[madamewaffles]

A has a cold, I think. Cough, sneezing/sniffles/snot, low grade fever, quite tired. I called nurse triage to find out how much Tylenol to dose him and at the same time asked what warrants a pedi visit. She stated fever of 104' or less than 3 wet diapers in 24 hours, or major change in alertness. Overnight I noticed he is not interested in nursing on my right side. Could this be an ear infection manifesting? His most recent temp was back to normal so that's great. He is almost 4 months for reference.

[acorn99]

If it was a Monday and you could give it a couple days to see how it progressed I would wait and see. But I would say that if he keeps avoiding one side because he seems uncomfortable, it wouldn't hurt to get it checked out. Especially before the weekend, and for the piece of mind if you are worried. That is probably what I would do. If it was just the other stuff but he was nursing fine, I would say let it run it's course. Does your ped have Saturday hours? If they do, you could give him the day today to see if there is any change.

[katelou]

It could be an ear infection, but even if it is, it's unlikely they'll do anything different. They do not routine prescribe antibiotics for ear infections anymore because 80% of them will clear on their own in a few days. I don't think you're wrong for wanting him to be seen just in case though.

[sarcaztic10]

I would say if he keeps avoiding that side then I would take him just to get checked out. Have you tried nursing him in other positions on that side? Otherwise as long as he is eating and peeing enough I would just keep him as upright as possible and give him lots of cuddles.

[melody330]

Yes to what everyone else said. Is your pedi open on the weekends? If not I might just go and get his ears checked. Neither of my kids have ever had ear infections, so I didn't know they clear up on their own like katelou said!

The Medicine dose goes by size. I make sure to get the dose each visit if I need to give it. I think B's dose is 2.5mL and he's 14 lbs.

I live and die by saline spray (infant kind) and the nose frida. We do this a few times during the day and once MOTN when B is really stuffy.

[katelou]

melody330, yeah, most ear infections clear up on their own and antibiotics have been overprescribed for decades. In 2013 the AAP came out with new practice guidelines trying to curb overuse of abx for ear infections. They now recommend observing suspected ear infections for a few days before considering abx: www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/ear-nose-throat/Pages/Ear-Infection-Information.aspx

madamewaffles, how is he doing?

[madamewaffles]

Thanks everyone!

katelou he is in good spirits, still very congested but is accepting my right breast again, so for whatever reason he was on strike short term. I called the triage line to be assessed and they told me if he still has the same severity of symptoms tomorrow to come in (thank heavens they have a Saturday clinic. DNW to do ER). Also thanks for sharing the info on ear infections! I did not know they aren't always treated with antibiotics. Makes sense though.

[cavewmn]

If he had sinus pressure he might not like laying on the most clogged side

[housecarder]

My girls had this exact thing and were even pulling on their ears. No ear infections though. Turns out the sinus drainage was just irritating their ears. My doctor said that if it doesn't clear up after 2 weeks to come back in.
I hope he feels better soon.

[Ray]

+1 to saline and a straw-type any sucker. F's dose at 11.5lbs was 1ml per my doc.