Hey Lori,

A sort of quick question. Parker has developed a cough. It is a bit wet and has a bit of a rattle. He has been OK up to this point, but we did give him a dose of Zithromax just before Christmas because he came out in cold sores and I didn't want it to progress into something, he looked like crap but the meds stopped anything occurring.

Anyway fast forward to today 2 weeks later, he is not hot but lethargic (but could be tierd LOL) so he just has the cough and it doesn't sound too nice. We have started up the ventolin and now doubling his flixotide.

So my question is should we wait out and see how he goes or start one of the antibiotics I have (Zithromax or Keflex). I only worry cause he has the low immunity and even a cold can progress. But he isn't hot KWIM? I am rambling... we are also in Denver and it is high altitude could this be the reason? Should I chuck him out in the cold?

Also we just left Leighs and Curran had a nasty cough and Leigh thinks it is pneumonia in him...

Thats all thanks!!!!

Hmm, so many options to choose from... let's see, yes the cold air and high altitude could be a problem, it could be sinus drainage, etc., and yes it could be a gift from Leigh's bunch. I know she is quite anxious to hand the recurrent ailments off to someone else.:razzing:

I think you have definitely done the right thing with the asthma meds. If it is cold air, drainage, etc causing an asthma flare, that should take care of it without the antibiotics. So, at this point, given the lack of fever, I would hold off on the Zithromax and Keflex and keep an eye on him. At the first sign of nastiness (fever, colored sputum or snot, etc) break out the antibiotics. I am so glad that his physicians saw fit to send those along with you.

I hope you're having a great time in the snow!!

THanks Lori, great advice, I am going to check his temp just in case, but I would know if it was high, high.

If he does get a temp, which abx should I use?

Thanks

Well, frankly, I'm not sure. Without the guidance of a culture and sensitivity and knowing what is floating in the air so to speak in Colorado, I couldn't say one would be better than the other. Personally, if given a choice for myself, I would go with zithromax simply because of the shorter dosing regimen and fewer GI side effects. That is just a personal choice for me, though, not a professional recommendation.

Hey Lori, I started the Zithromax last night, something funky was going on. His cough is quite bad still but he had a temp that has subsided and he has been vomitting. So I thought just in case. I hope it knocks it on the head. THanks for your help.

I'm glad the temp went away, Rach. Better safe than sorry with the crazy weather here in the States lately, and his immunity issues. Good call.

Yes, we are always willing to share at my house! :ANYWORD:

Curran did not ever spike a fever, though.

I am so glad to hear that he is feeling a bit better now and hope that it passes quickly so he can enjoy the rest of your trip. Poor little fella. He sure was pukey. :sad5: