Concerns Over My Daughter's Health Symptoms
Greetings everyone, I need to share some troubling concerns regarding my daughter, who just celebrated her second birthday at the end of last month. Recently, she has begun to exhibit signs that are quite alarming from my perspective as a parent. On Wednesday, at approximately 2 PM, she started to have a slight runny nose, but everything seemed normal until around 1:15 AM the following day. At that time, she woke up gasping for air. Although she was able to recover her breath, her breathing remained irregular, with her holding her breath intermittently for 2 to 5 seconds while still managing to inhale and exhale. This prompted us to contact the non-emergency ambulance service in the UK (111). When the paramedics arrived, they advised that she should be taken to the hospital, and we finally reached there around 4 AM. During the ride, she became very ill, vomiting violently to the point of crying out, and her body stiffening. We spent less than two and a half hours in the hospital, where the medical staff visited our room three times, each for less than ten minutes. Ultimately, they decided that since she was able to laugh and speak, she was deemed fine, despite her continued struggles with breathing. She was discharged around 5:40 AM when she was still not breathing correctly. Since her release, her condition has deteriorated quite rapidly. We took her back to the doctor today after she developed a severe cough that caused her to gag. The assessment was again the same: “She’s fine; it’s just a cold.” However, less than 24 hours post-discharge, her balance is worsening by the hour. Her movements appear jerky, and while I was holding her, I feared she was having a seizure. She also seems highly restless and uncomfortable. Apologies if I’m rambling; I’ve had very little sleep over the last couple of nights. If I have overlooked anything, I will compile it into the list below: *2-year-old girl* - Runny nose - Harsh and raspy cough - Breathing issues (shallow in/out, with a noticeable sucking in at the base of her neck and stomach) - Fluctuating temperature - New pinprick rash on her stomach, diaper area, and legs - Pulling at and covering her ears - Itchiness - Irritability - Rapid decline in balance - Jerky movements - Loss of voice - Calpol, Calpol Vapor plug, and infant cough syrup have shown no effect This truly does not seem like merely a "small cold." Please, I need reassurance—am I being overly cautious, or are my concerns valid? I seek additional opinions as I have lost faith in the medical professionals in my vicinity due to previous negative experiences. Thank you for your understanding.
Answers (1)
2/6/2026, 10:10:47 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're feeling understandably anxious about your daughter’s health symptoms, especially given the recent changes and the distress you've all experienced. Your concerns are valid, and it’s important to focus on her well-being and address the symptoms she's exhibiting.
Main Concerns:
- Breathing Issues: Irregular and shallow breathing, including gasping for air.
- Worsening Symptoms: Deterioration in balance, jerky movements, new rash, and continued irritability.
- Previous Medical Evaluations: Not satisfied with the evaluations stating “just a cold”.
Explanation:
Your daughter is showing several troubling symptoms, including breathing difficulties, a new rash, and changes in her movement, which warrant further evaluation beyond what she has already received. While many children do experience mild upper respiratory infections, the combination of her symptoms—especially the breathing irregularities and sudden changes in balance—could indicate a more serious condition needing attention. The presence of a rash can also signal reactions that may need to be evaluated.
Next Steps:
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Urgent Care: Seek immediate medical attention through your local emergency services if her breathing worsens, or if you observe any severe symptoms like persistent vomiting, extreme lethargy, or if she appears unresponsive. These symptoms can indicate a need for urgent care.
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Document Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of her symptoms, including the timeline, severity, and any changes you observe. Noting how often she coughs, her temperature, and any new developments can help healthcare providers assess her condition more accurately.
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Second Opinion: If possible, seek a second opinion from another healthcare professional or pediatrician who specializes in children's health. Explain all her symptoms and your concerns thoroughly.
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Monitor for Additional Symptoms: Watch for signs like increased difficulty breathing, changes in skin color (such as bluish tints), further rash development, or seizures. If you notice these, prompt medical evaluation is essential.
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Support for You: It's essential to take care of yourself during this stressful time. Seek support from friends, family, or online communities to share your experiences and feelings.
Your concerns are not just anxiety; they reflect a deep care for your daughter's health. Prioritize seeking medical help tailored to her symptoms to ensure she receives the attention she needs. Remember, you are her advocate, and ensuring she feels well and safe is your top priority. Let me know if you need more guidance or support!
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